This podcast is an interview series that will feature autistic adults from a variety of backgrounds to learn about their life, talents, challenges and the ups and downs of being on the autism spectrum.

In this episode, "Adulting on the Spectrum" hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, introduce themselves and talk about everything from the "Shawshank Redemption" film to the scent of tennis balls.

Let us know your feedback or ideas for future episodes by emailing podcast@autismspeaks.org.

*The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Autism Speaks.

Episode 00 - Meet Our Hosts

Hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, speak with Austin Varco

 Austin is a 23-year-old racecar driver from San Diego, CA. When he was diagnosed with level 1 autism at age 20, his purpose realigned to learning and understanding himself and acting as a bridge for others' understanding of autism. He's using his racing career as a platform to educate and advocate for those who may not have a voice but have things to say. 
Austin loves snowboarding, surfing, and being one with nature.

Ep. 44 – On being a racecar driver

Hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, speak with Ogi Ogas. 

Ogi is an autistic mathematical neuroscientist and author. He writes books about the mind. He describes himself as the “Rip Van Winkle of autism.” Ogi learned he was autistic in the 1990s, but then turned his back on the clinical/medical community so  he could figure out how autism worked on his own.  Obi just started learning about the autism community again last month.

Ep. 45 – On being a contestant on 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire'

Hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, speak with Daniel. 

Daniel is an umpire, referee, drummer, and bass guitarist. He has been officiating for 8 years in multiple sports(Baseball, soccer, softball, flag football, and bowling). He also has been coaching bowling for 12 years.

Ep. 46 – On being a soccer referee and bowling coach

Hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, speak with Russell.

Russell Lehmann is an award-winning and internationally recognized thought leader, speaker, poet, and advocate contextualizing autism, mental health, disabilities, and the overall human condition.

Ep. 47 – On travel and paying in forward

Hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, speak with Adin. 

From his classical piano, choir, opera, and music theory beginnings in suburban south Orange County to his massive solo and full-band indie rock performances after COVID quarantine and college, Adin Boyer is no stranger to living a life fully devoted to music, and discovering himself entirely through music. His sound draws influences from uplifting arena alternative rock outfits such as Coldplay, Kensington, and Keane, and the glorious ambiances of groups like Hammock and Bear’s Den.

Adin first gained widespread international notoriety as a music performance and composition major at CalArts, after his musical comedy videos racked up millions of views on TikTok in 2020.

Ep. 48 – On perfect pitch and being on 'American Idol'

Hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, speak with Alex Astrella. 

Alex is a special educator and filmmaker from Dana Point, CA. Through his work in both fields, he is passionate about giving back to the community that helped him become the individual he is today. Outside of his work, Alex enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is always striving to learn and grow each and every day.

Ep. 49 – On filmmaking and being an RBT

Hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, speak with Billy Mayfair. 

Billy Mayfair is one of the top professional golfers in the United States and has been a regular on the PGA Tour since 1989. He boasts five PGA Tour victories and is the only player to ever beat Tigers Woods in a PGA Tour playoff. He is currently playing on the PGA Tour Champions.

Mayfair’s five PGA Tour victories include the Nissan Open (1998), Buick Open (1998), Motorola Western Open (1995), Tour Championship (1995), and Greater Milwaukee Open (1993). His two amateur victories include the U.S. Amateur (1987) and U.S. Public Links (1986). In the PGA Tour Champions, Mayfair ranks 49 in the Charles Schwab Cup Points, five in the PGA Tour Points List, and 34 in the All-Time Money List with more than $22 million in career earnings.

Mayfair has been in the Official World Golf Rankings top 50 list, reaching as high as 26. He was the medalist at the 2010 PGA Tour’s Qualifying School and at the age of 15 was on the cover of Boys’ Life magazine as "golf’s junior hotshot."

After dealing with Asperger-related symptoms for most of his life Mayfair was diagnosed in 2019 with autism spectrum disorder, a developmental condition that causes challenges with a person’s communication, social interactions, sleep habits, moods, and attention span, among other things. Previously, during the 2006 season, Mayfair was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery, returning to the tour two weeks later.

Along with his family, Mayfair began a nonprofit foundation tasked with providing support to both amateur and professional athletes and their families who struggle with spectrum-related disorders.

Ep. 50 – Billy Mayfair on the PGA Tour and being diagnosed late in life

Hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, speak with Trenton Lundgren. 

Trenton is a 31-year-old man, living with his girlfriend, in Texas. He's currently maintaining five jobs. Trent is very passionate about Broadway and movies.

Ep. 51 –  Adulting on the Spectrum: On movies and Broadway

Hosts, Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb, speak with Josh Edwards. 

Josh is originally from Stilwell in Kansas. He was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at 13. He pursued education, earning an Associate's Degree at Johnson County Community College and a bachelor's degree in social work from Pittsburg State University. After a transformative summer in Florida, Josh found his calling at an elementary school, working with a supportive team and mentor.

Episode 00 - Meet Our Hosts

Autism Speaks

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