In this episode of Be Yourself Be Heard, consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh is joined by Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, to explore neurodiversity through the lens of leadership, policy and public service. Mike reflects on his experiences in local government, how neurodiversity shows up in families, communities and workplaces, and why one-size-fits-all approaches often fail.

The conversation looks at individuality, strengths, authenticity, and how public policy can better recognise and support neurodivergent people while balancing real-world constraints. This episode offers an honest and thoughtful discussion on leadership, identity and inclusion from the perspective of a senior policymaker.

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'Be Yourself, Be Heard' is a neurodiversity-focused podcast from consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh of the Mentis Clinic. Each episode explores real stories, professional viewpoints, and practical strategies that help neurodivergent individuals feel seen, supported and understood.

Subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories, advice and guidance around neurodiversity.

For support with Neurodiversity or to engage with Dr Faisal Shaikh directly, please visit the Mentis Clinic website: https://mentisclinic.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Be Yourself, Be Heard, consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh is joined by Jodie Smith, founder of Happy Doodles, to explore neurodiversity through lived experience, creativity and motherhood.

Jodie shares her journey of being diagnosed with inattentive ADHD in adulthood, living with bipolar disorder, and how creativity became her anchor through mental illness, recovery and parenting.

Together, they discuss sensory sensitivities, resilience, authenticity, and the vital role that creative expression plays in children’s emotional well-being.

This conversation offers an honest and compassionate insight into neurodivergence, mental health, and finding your purpose.

Follow Jodie Smith on Instagram to connect or learn more about her journey.

@happydoodlesuk

@jodiesmithillustrator

'Be Yourself, Be Heard' is a neurodiversity-focused podcast from consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh of the Mentis Clinic. Each episode explores real stories, professional viewpoints, and practical strategies that help neurodivergent individuals feel seen, supported and understood.

Subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories, advice and guidance around neurodiversity.

For support with Neurodiversity or to engage with Dr Faisal Shaikh directly, please visit the Mentis Clinic website: https://mentisclinic.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this opening episode of ‘Be Yourself, Be Heard’, consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh sits down with senior GP and occupational health expert Dr Guy Clayton to explore neurodiversity from both professional and deeply personal angles.

This conversation goes far beyond clinical definitions. Dr Clayton shares stories from medicine, family life, forensic mental health and occupational health, revealing how conditions like ADHD show up in real people, real workplaces, and real challenges.

If you’re looking for an honest, practical and stigma-free look at neurodiversity, this is the perfect place to start.

'Be Yourself, Be Heard' is a neurodiversity-focused podcast from consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh of the Mentis Clinic. Each episode explores real stories, professional viewpoints, and practical strategies that help neurodivergent individuals feel seen, supported and understood.

Subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories, advice and guidance around neurodiversity.

For support with Neurodiversity or to engage with Dr Faisal Shaikh directly, please visit the Mentis Clinic website: https://mentisclinic.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.