A Journey of Language, Growth, and Autism Perspectives: Stephen’s Evolution
Step into the extraordinary world of my podcast, where language comes alive through the lens of my autistic perspective. Like the mist of a sunrise gradually revealing the landscape, my journey with language and communication unfolds with clarity and discovery. Join me as I explore idioms, metaphors, and the nuances of expression, weaving them into the story of my lived experiences.
Growing up, language felt like a distant mountain range—challenging yet full of potential. Through reflection and perseverance, I’ve come to understand the profound ways language shapes our connections, perspectives, and growth. My podcast invites you to travel across that landscape with me, exploring a blend of personal insights, linguistic discoveries, and shared understanding.
Through straightforward narratives, I aim to uncover how my evolving relationship with language has illuminated new possibilities, much like sunlight breaking through mist. Together, we’ll examine how words and phrases reflect the deeper layers of human experience and discuss strategies to embrace communication challenges with creativity and compassion.
Tune in to “A Journey of Language, Growth, and Autism Perspectives” to celebrate resilience, embrace individuality, and uncover the beauty of discovery—both in language and in life. Let’s embark on this adventure of empowerment, understanding, and potential together.
You can subscribe to my podcast by visiting https://stephensevolution.ck.page/ca4511fa05 to get notified when new episodes are forthcoming and released.
Episodes
61 episodes
Stars to Sunrise: Moving to YouTube
A profound shift is underway as I'm planning to transition from audio podcasting to YouTube. Visual media, I believe, will allow me to share autistic experiences more fully, through body language, facial expression, and presence beyond words.
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Episode 60
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5:12
Running At My Own Pace
Running alongside others yet fully at peace in my own space—that’s the unexpected gift parkrun has given me as an autistic person.Life on the spectrum often means performing unwritten social scripts that I have found in times go by, drai...
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Episode 59
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16:15
New Discoveries with Unexpected Changes
Sometimes things in life, we will inevitably find that things don’t always go to plan. At first, I understand personally how disruptive that can feel. However, looking back, one thing I learned over time was, how unexpected moments like these c...
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Episode 58
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11:11
Flowing Along Life's Unexpected Turns
A short and personal birthday reflection - on changing plans, making wiser choices, and going along with life's unexpected turns.Inspired by a Saturday parkrun that didn't quite go according to plan, I decided to do a solo run alongside...
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Episode 57
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10:39
Clearing space outside reflecting change happening within us
A slightly shorter episode on this occasion, where I reflect on what it means to clear space. It was inspired by clearing an overgrown hedge trimmed in my garden, and what it taught me about confidence, growth, and making space for myself. Beca...
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Episode 56
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12:07
Finding Wonder in Unusual and Unexplored Places
Most people expect vehicles to stick to tarmac and concrete roads. However, for as long as I can remember, I've been drawn to those moments when tyres press into softer ground, sometimes leaving their marks behind. What others dismissed as an u...
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Episode 55
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22:38
A New World Coming Into Focus
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to experience the world through a different lens? In this personal episode, I take you beneath the surface of autism, sharing my journey through powerful metaphors that illuminate the lived experience o...
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Episode 54
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17:06
Navigating Quiet Currents of Autism in My Education
What happens when autism presents without obvious signs? When differences are subtle enough to be noticed but difficult to define? In this personal episode, I aim to explore the concept of "quiet currents beneath the waves"<...
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Episode 53
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21:14
Growing and Developing at Your Own Natural Pace
Just like the oak trees that bear acorns at different ages, we all grow, develop, and evolve in our own time. In this episode, I explore how the metaphor 'Bearing Acorns in Your Own Time', relates to autism, personal growth, and the pressure on...
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Episode 52
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17:30
Planting Seeds in the Dark - Creativity, Growth, and Understanding Language
Have you ever found yourself planting seeds without seeing where they might lead? This deeply personal exploration aims to take you on a journey through the unexpected ways inspiration can bloom, particularly through the lens of autism and lang...
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Episode 51
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22:11
Branching Out: Cultivating Your 'Tree of Wisdom'
Embrace the journey of personal growth and resilience with this episode that aims to delve into the metaphor of the 'Tree of Wisdom'. By drawing on personal experiences as someone on the autistic spectrum, I share some insights on how our...
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Episode 50
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21:29
Flourishing Like Trees - Growing Through Metaphors
Imagine a world where the growth of autistic individuals is celebrated as uniquely as the "wood wide web" of trees. Join me, Stephen McHugh, as I share my personal journey through a nurturing junior school environment that identified my unique ...
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Episode 49
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22:13
Winter Struggles and Spring Breakthroughs
Life, much like the seasons, has its challenges and breakthroughs. In this episode, I reflect on recent testing parkruns, and connect them to my journey of growth, both in running and in life. I explore how my experiences with language developm...
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Episode 48
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21:16
A Metaphor in Snowflakes - Life's Unique Paths with Autism
What if each of us, like snowflakes, takes a distinct journey, shaped by our experiences and challenges? Join me, as I explore this metaphor, 'Like snowflakes each of us takes a unique journey, shaped by the experiences and challenge...
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Episode 47
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21:23
Making Sense of Idioms Through their Origins - An Autistic Perspective
Unlock the secrets to smoother conversations by breaking down the complex puzzle of language and idioms! This episode aims to improve your communication skills as I, someone who has navigated the nuances of language on the autism spectrum, shar...
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Episode 46
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15:17
Finding New Directions, Connections, and Growth in Language
Ever wondered how idioms can mirror our personal growth journey? Join me, Stephen McHugh, as I share examples of my own story from the autism spectrum exploring the world of idioms.In this first episode of the podcast’s new direction, I...
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Episode 45
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15:20
Creating Autism Friendly Workplaces
Unlock the unique potential of neurodiversity in the workplace as I share my personal journey navigating life on the autism spectrum. Ever found yourself puzzled by social cues or overwhelmed by the prospect of facing a simple phone call? You'r...
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Episode 44
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25:37
Autism and Strategies for Success in Job Interviews
Unlock the secrets to mastering job interviews as an autistic individual with insights that could change your career trajectory. Join me, Stephen McHugh, on the latest episode of Stephen's Evolution, where I aim to equip you with practical stra...
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Episode 43
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37:01
Autistic Insights on Varied Communication Styles in the Workplace
What does it truly mean to have "Excellent communication skills" in the workplace, especially from an autistic perspective? Join me, Stephen McHugh, for this episode as I talk about the concept of communication in various job roles. I'll share ...
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Episode 42
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33:44
How I Learned to Break Down Job Description Ambiguities
Navigating the job market can be challenging for all of us. But, for those with autism, the journey can be full of additional hurdles. Join me, Stephen McHugh, as I recount my personal experiences with job listings that appeared ideal at ...
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Episode 41
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20:52
How I Avoided Unsuitable Job Roles
Join me on my latest episode, as I recount the start of my journey through the job market as an autistic individual. By focusing on my exceptional keyboard skills, I discovered roles like data entry where I not only thrived but also found a pro...
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Episode 40
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18:59
Technology's Potential in Sharing Autistic Experiences
Imagine navigating through a world where words float around fragmented, and social interactions feel foreign. In this episode, inspired by the BBC series "Inside Our Autistic Minds," I, Stephen McHugh, share the vivid experiences of my school y...
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Episode 39
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14:26
The Impact of Inclusive Environments on Autistic Children
Ever wondered how small acts of kindness can transform the lives of children with autism? Join me on this episode as I share my personal journey growing up on the autism spectrum, from facing language development delays to experiencing the prof...
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Episode 38
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54:16
Childhood Holidays Inspiring Lifelong Fascinations
What if a simple summer holiday could ignite a lifelong passion for exploring natural wonders? Join me, Stephen McHugh, as I recount my childhood experiences traversing the UK, where every coastal visit and geological marvel like the Giant's Ca...
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Episode 37
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27:36
Unlocking Potential Through Curiosity and Inquiry
Curiosity isn't just a trait; it's a transformative tool. Join me, as I recount my journey growing up on the autism spectrum and how the simple act of asking myself questions has fundamentally reshaped my life. From struggling to understand soc...
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Episode 36
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40:05