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The Business Oddcast

The Business Oddcast

Written by: Stuart Morrison & Hannah Logan
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The Podcast for Neurodivergent Business Owners. No hustle culture, no corporate nonsense, just honest conversations about running a business with a 'spicy brain', and real-world tested resources that help.
  • You don’t need a diagnosis to listen.
  • Unmask, relax & explore.
  • No small talk… Guaranteed!

Hello, welcome to the Business Oddcast! We’re Hannah & Stu, two late-diagnosed, awesome-brained humans figuring out how to run businesses without pretending to be “normal.”

We’re so excited to share stories, insights, & laughs with you as we celebrate the business brilliance of the ASD, ADHD, AuDHD and neurodivergent community.

This is where we unmask, swap real stories, and dive into the gloriously odd side of entrepreneurship without any corporate “small talk” and forced networking smiles, just honest, weird, and wonderfully creative conversations.

Sign-up for notifications & join the Odd Squad, and be notified when each new episode drops… because we know your executive function might not remind you!

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Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Leadership Management & Leadership Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Guest Special - Emma Beattie from Unmasked Studio - S01E38

    Guest Special - Emma Beattie from Unmasked Studio - S01E38
    Sep 2 2026
    Ep38 - Guest Special - Emma Beattie from Unmasked Studio For our very first guest episode, we’re joined by Emma Beattie, founder of Unmasked Studio, to talk about what neuroinclusion can look like when you move beyond awareness and start thinking about how people actually experience work. After almost two decades working in technology, Emma’s ADHD diagnosis gave her a new understanding of how her brain works, as well as some of the challenges and strengths she’d experienced throughout her career. That understanding also helped fuel her passion for neuroinclusion. Alongside her existing role, Emma went on to develop a neurodiversity programme within a global organisation, creating events and opportunities to celebrate neurodivergent colleagues and encourage more open conversations. Now, through Unmasked Studio, she works with neurodivergent people and employers to help make inclusion work in practice. We talk about: Why awareness is only the beginning The difference between performative and genuine inclusion How recruitment could work better for different brains Why small changes in communication can make a big difference Self-advocacy, boundaries and asking for what you need And why finding your people matters Plus, Hannah gets disproportionately annoyed about being asked what chocolate bar she’d be in a job interview. Which, frankly, feels justified. Because genuine inclusion isn’t about ticking the right boxes. It’s about creating environments where different people have the opportunity to do their best work. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:00:15 - Hanna and Stu introduction 00:00:35 - Neuroinclusive Workplace mention 00:01:23 - Emma Beattie introduction 00:02:14 - Emma's employment backstory 00:04:40 - How work started to become harder around 30... 00:05:53 - How did life change after a diagnosis? 00:07:20 - Understanding and advocating for yourself in the workplace 00:08:55 - Background to starting a neuroinclusive program as an employee 00:11:01 - Pitching the idea of the Neurodiversity Awards event at work 00:13:38 - Expectations vs impact of the awards event 00:15:40 - Was there resistance from masked or not widely disclosed NDs? 00:16:40 - What's the purpose of an "awareness day"? So... what's next. 00:18:00 - The workplace assessment and requesting accommodations 00:20:50 - The importance of management "buy-in" and acceptance 00:22:14 - The wider impact of advocating for yourself 00:23:30 - Was there any resistance and how did you overcome it? 00:26:51 - How did these experiences lead to starting the Unmasked Studio? 00:29:07 - Stu's theory on why interviews are not great for NDs 00:29:55 - Exploring how Unmask Studio fills the gap in ND recruitment and workplaces 00:32:25 - Complacency and ticking boxes - but there's a lot of support available 00:33:20 - Closing the gap - what does genuine inclusion look like in practice? 00:34:24 - Exploring basic rights for interviews, asking for the questions beforehand 00:36:00 - A better approach to the recruitment process for NDs 00:37:12 - Unmasked Studio - what's the future? 00:38:10 - Barriers, broken processes and best way to ask for 'accommodations' 00:40:00 - Surviving the recruitment process and masking your authentic self 00:43:02 - Where does Unmask Studio get started when working in a business? 00:44:09 - The benefits to the business and measuring the costs to the business 00:47:57 - Performative inclusion vs genuine inclusion 00:48:28 - Neuroinclusion is not just for neurodivergent employees 00:49:55 - Emma's vision of the future for employment 00:50:47 - Who Emma/Unmasked Studio would like to connect with... 00:52:12 - How to contact Emma at UnmaskedStudio.co.uk and Linked In etc. 00:55:48 - The CRUCIAL final piece of advice for NDs from Emma 00:56:24 - Outro and goodbyes 00:57:35 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- Contact Emma Beattie - Unmasked Studio https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmasked-studio-uk-ltd/ - Unmasked Studio Linked In Page https://www.unmaskedstudio.co.uk/ - Unmasked Studio Website More About the NeuroInclusive Workplace https://businessoddcast.com/the-oddcast-manifesto - Link to the Neuroinclusive Manifesto, Lets build a better, more inclusive society. https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people. https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are ...
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    58 mins
  • When Your Special Interest Becomes Your Business - S01E37

    When Your Special Interest Becomes Your Business - S01E37
    Aug 12 2026
    You know that thing you'd do for free, at 2am, for eleven hours straight, without eating? Yeah. What happens when someone pays you for THAT? Welcome back to the Business Oddcast — the podcast for neurodivergent entrepreneurs, hyperfocused founders, and anyone who's ever turned a "weird little hobby" into an actual, functioning business (and then wondered why the joy disappeared). This week, Hannah and Stu are diving headfirst into the obsession-to-income pipeline: the dopamine highs, the hyperfocus spirals, the accidental business empires built out of pure special-interest chaos — and the very real tension of loving something SO much you forget to charge for it properly. We're talking monetising by-products, mastering the firebreak, why "successful" can quietly become "trapped," and — because we never do just one topic — a full-throttle rant about late diagnosis and female healthcare. Plus: Stu's branding meltdown, Hannah's graveyard of past businesses, and why building a business that grows with you is basically a 1970s cartoon. Special interest. Actual income. Zero chill. Let's get into it. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:00:21 - Introducing the NeuroInclusive Workspace - Take the NIq Audit 00:03:40 - Topic of the Week - When Your Special Interest Becomes Your Business 00:03:50 - Topic introduction - What happens when the thing you love, pays the bills. 00:05:38 - Projects, ideas. EVERYWHERE! Hannah lists her earlier businesses 00:07:07 - What's the catalyst for the change? 00:09:30 - The tension - being paid for something you'd do for free and not making (enough) money - LINK TO PREVIOUS EPISODE ON PRICING BELOW 00:13:29 - The Obsession Stage - doing what you LOVE! Stu's branding challenge 00:16:25 - Monetising obsessions - can you "sell" the "by-products"? - LINK TO BLOG ABOUT DOPAMINE BELOW 00:17:53 - Obsessions are a dopamine rich environment - but are important 00:19:21 - Why the obsession stage is important when starting out 00:20:36 - Obsessions build knowledge, which can be sold, but avoid the death of joy 00:21:40 - When passion creates chaos and the repercussions of hyperfocus 00:23:30 - Mastering the obsessive hyperfocus & importance of firebreaks 00:26:08 - Passion projects can boost energy, or at least drain you less quickly 00:26:59 - The three issues that always derail your finely balanced energy needs 00:28:17 - Why loving what you do helps more than "the money's good". 00:31:05 - What happens when all the business stuff steals the joy? 00:33:40 - Why successful small businesses become the perfect jail cell 00:34:40 - Stu - A RANT ABOUT LATE DIAGNOSIS AND FEMALE HEALTHCARE! 00:36:01 - What's the best business move when the passion fades? 00:39:09 - Reap the rewards of idle curiosity 00:42:50 - Why building a business that grows with you is like 1970s cartoon Mr. Ben 00:44:55 - Hannah's tips and takeaways 00:46:45 - Stu's tips and takeaways 00:52:00 - Round up and plug for our NeuroInclusiveWorkplace.com 00:55:55 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- RESOURCES https://businessoddcast.com/podcast/pricing-when-you-dont-trust-your-sense-of-value-s01e32/ - BLOG - Following The Dopamine. https://businessoddcast.com/following-the-dopamine - EP32 - Pricing When You Don’t Trust Your Sense of Value . https://businessoddcast.com/the-oddcast-manifesto - Link to the Neuroinclusive Manifesto, Lets build a better, more inclusive society. https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit target - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people. https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond! https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/help Contact us: hosts@businessoddcast.com OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    56 mins
  • Why Some Rooms Make ND Brains Scream - S01E36

    Why Some Rooms Make ND Brains Scream - S01E36
    Jul 29 2026

    Ep36 - Why Some Rooms Make Neurodivergent Brains Scream

    Walk into a networking event and feel your nervous system hit the alarm before you've said a word? You're not broken, the room is badly designed.

    This week we break down why "just show up and mingle" is agony for ND brains: the unwritten social rules nobody explains, the masking that starts before you're even through the door, and the exhausting calculation of tracking what everyone thinks of you. We name the real cost, event tax, energy overdrafts, and call out why "be more resilient" is terrible advice.

    Then we get practical. Who's in the room changes everything: accepted vs. evaluated, belonging vs. tolerated. We talk escape planning, why no chairs can genuinely ruin your night, why background music sabotages conversations, and we share our "yes, and..." trick for finding your people fast.

    If you've ever left an event drained and wondering what's wrong with you, this episode is your answer, and your survival kit.

    Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com

    Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.

    Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!

    ------------------------------------- TIMELINE

    00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:00:34 - Topic of the Week - Why Some Rooms Make ND Brains Scream 00:00:59 - Topic introduction - Why do some spaces feel hostile and unwelcoming? 00:02:00 - Why are networking rooms so challenging? A room of uncertainty! 00:03:55 - The UNWRITTEN (social) RULES! 00:05:41 - Managing the cognitive load overthinking what people think of you 00:06:18 - The masking starts before you even get in the room, like Pulp Fiction 00:09:03 - How to find the nicest, spiciest people in the room... 00:11:22 - Event tax, energy overdrafts - just be more resilient! 00:13:36 - Who is in the room makes a difference - are you a needy networker? 00:14:40 - Being accepted vs feel evaluated. Who's in the room matters! 00:17:39 - Belonging vs "fitting in" vs being tolerated... 00:20:30 - The weight of perception and being perceived 00:22:00 - The nightmare of overlapping friend's groups 00:25:31 - Seeking safety and Hannah's escape planning 00:27:32 - When you HAVE to do the thing you don't want to do. Some tips. 00:29:51 - Our other podcasts on Business Networking 00:30:12 - The safety of predictability & other networking tips 00:33:21 - Making spaces better, safer and predictable, you know; INCLUSIVE! 00:35:03 - Hannah's story about a chair - RAGE INDUCING! 00:38:21 - The dangers of music in the room... 00:40:07 - When you find the people you click with 00:41:33 - The improv principle of "Yes, and..." 00:44:01 - NDs dance, NTs duel - discuss 00:45:00 - Hannah's takeaways and insights 00:47:53 - Stu's top tips and thoughts 00:53:37 - Thank you and goodbye 00:55:00 - August's theme - Special Interests and Hyperfocus 00:56:24 - LENGTH

    ------------------------------------- RESOURCES

    https://businessoddcast.com/the-oddcast-manifesto - Link to the Neuroinclusive Manifesto, Lets build a better, more inclusive society.

    https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit target - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people.

    https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond!

    https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.

    https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.

    -------------------------------------

    OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT businessoddcast.com hosts@businessoddcast.com

    OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    56 mins
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