
Advertise on podcast: 21andsensory Podcast
Rating
5from
This podcast has
107 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Emily @21andsensoryExplicit
No
Date created
2017/08/14
Latest episode
2026/01/30
Average duration
68 min.
Release period
31 days
Description
Welcome to the 21andsensory Podcast! My name is Emily and I have Sensory Processing Disorder and I am Autistic. I'm a Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Podcaster in the UK. This podcast started off life in 2017 as a mix of me rambling about all things sensory processing and autism related and sharing my own tips. From Episode 17 onwards I have chatted to amazing neurodivergent guests from all walks of life including Authors, Actors, Influencers, Illustrators, Artists, TikTokers, Educators, Activists, Writers, Speakers, Producers, YouTubers and Researchers! Follow @21andsensory on Instagram
Unlock 21andsensory Podcast podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details
Email contact information
Direct podcast contact details

Listeners
Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details
Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from 21andsensory Podcast podcast
Episode 104: Special Guest, Lauren Melissa Ellzey (@autienelle)
2026/01/30
On today's episode I have special guest Lauren Melissa Ellzey also known as Autienelle.
Lauren Melissa is an autistic self-advocate and author of three young adult novels, BOY AT THE WINDOW, STREAMLINE, and GIMMICKS AND GLAMOUR, which explore belonging for queer, neurodivergent youth of colour.
Her advocacy work has crossed paths with New York University, Reframing Autism, Cripple Media, NeuroClastic, and the United Nations. She holds a Master of Science in Library and Information Science and resides in New York City with her cat, Tifa, and her dog, Farron.
Lauren Melissa's links:
Instagram: Lauren Melissa Ellzey (@autienelle) Lauren Melissa on Twitch Lifelines Grounding Stone: https://www.lifelines.com/grounding-stonesAutienelle websiteBook links:
Boldstroke books: https://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/authors/lauren-melissa-ellzey-364Amazon link: Lauren Melissa Ellzey: books, biography, latest updateMy 21andsensory links:
@21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on Patreon21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensoryWork with me: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com/working-with-me21andsensory Blog: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com@21andsensory on X: https://x.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/21andsensory.bsky.social
Episode 103: Special Guest, Claire from The Jungle Haven (YouTube Planty Creator)
2025/12/12
*Content warning* we chat about potentially triggering topics such as eating disorders, drugs and alcohol, listener discretion is advised.
On today’s show I have the wonderful special guest Claire. Claire is houseplant-obsessed and has a fab YouTube channel called The Jungle Haven. She started her YouTube channel to make videos about the things she has learnt (and continues to learn) on her indoor gardening journey, and provides tips and tricks so that subscribers can keep their own house plants happy and healthy.
Claire has almost 200,000 subscribers and creates all sorts of videos on her channels including dispelling houseplant myths, how to videos such as repotting house plants and propagating them and videos on plant styling and interiors .Her lovely rescue dog Joli features in her videos lots (including in the opening intro) which of course adds to their charm and both Claire and Joli potter about in chatty plant chore videos and houseplant tours where Claire tends to her collection of almost 300+ plants so I am very much looking forward to chatting to her!
Claire's Links:
www.instagram.com/thejunglehavenwww.youtube.com/c/TheJungleHavenwww.tiktok.com/@thejunglehavenAlan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club: www.itv.com/watch/alan-titchmarshs-gardening-club/10a5408
Mentioned:
Sarah Gerrard-Jones
www.theplantrescuer.comwww.instagram.com/theplantrescuerGood Growing (Emma)
www.instagram.com/goodgrowinghttps://www.youtube.com/c/GoodGrowing
My 21andsensory links:
@21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on Patreon21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensoryWork with me: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com/working-with-me21andsensory Blog: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com@21andsensory on X: https://x.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/21andsensory.bsky.social
Episode 102: Special Guest, David Holmes (Big Life Adventure Founder & Entrepreneur)
2025/11/28
On today’s show I have special guest David Holmes who is the founder of Big Life Adventure.
Big Life Adventure is a fun, safe, and supportive online platform designed especially for people with learning disabilities and autism. It helps you explore your interests, set goals, connect with others, and express yourself – all in one place.
David made headline news a few weeks ago when he warned that the new online safety act risks inadvertently excluding people with learning disabilities. Under the Act, social media platforms are required to carry out strict age checks - using ID checks or AI face recognition - to keep children away from harmful content. For many people with learning disabilities, these systems are unworkable and I’ll be chatting to him more about this.
Links:
Big Life Adventure website
Stand with Big Life Adventure: Stop Online Disability Discrimination Now: Petition link
Big Life Adventure on:
Instagram
TikTok
Linkedin
My 21andsensory links:
My 21andsensory links:
@21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on Patreon21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensoryWork with me: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com/working-with-me21andsensory Blog: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com@21andsensory on X: https://x.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/21andsensory.bsky.social
Episode 101: Special Guest, Anna Zoe Quirke (Autistic Author, Librarian, and Writer)
2025/11/14
On today’s show I have the wonderful special guest Anna Zoe Quirke. Anna is a queer and autistic author, librarian, and freelance writer from the North of England. They’ve written books, scripts, poetry (and much more).
Their novel ‘Something to be Proud of’ won the Northern Writers’ Award for Debut YA Fiction in 2022, was shortlisted for the PFD Queer Fiction Prize, was published with Little Tiger in June 2024, and was nominated for a Carnegie Award in 2025. Their most recent book ‘ Sad Girl Hours’ was published in September this year.
In her freelance work, Anna writes about mental health, disability, neurodivergence, and LGBTQ+ topics for various charities and organisations such as Kooth, the UK’s largest digital mental health service.
They’re at their happiest writing stories about chaotic queer and disabled people finding and claiming their place in the world.
Anna's Links:
Anna's websiteBuy Anna's BooksInstagramTikTok
My 21andsensory links:
@21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensoryWork with me: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com/working-with-me21andsensory Blog: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com@21andsensory on X: https://x.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/21andsensory.bsky.social
Episode 100: A very special mystery guest!
2025/10/31
IT'S EPISODE 100! WOOP!
Thanks for listening and subscribing to the 21andsensory podcast over the years - it really does mean a lot and I hope you have enjoyed all the guests I've had on so far...more exciting guests to come too!
On today's episode I have a very special guest to celebrate the 100th episode...but you'll have to click play to find out who it is!
My 21andsensory links:
@21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensoryWork with me: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com/working-with-me21andsensory Blog: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com@21andsensory on X: https://x.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/21andsensory.bsky.social
Episode 99: Special Guest, Lucy Powrie (Neurodivergent Author & Booktuber)
2025/09/30
On this month's 21andsensory Podcast I have the wonderful special guest Lucy Powrie. Lucy is a neurodivergent author whose dream is to fill bookshelves with as many books featuring proudly autistic and ADHD characters as possible – just like her.
She makes bookish videos as lucythereader on YouTube to an audience of over 40,000 subscribers, and enjoys passionately sharing her love for old books, the Brontë sisters, and the BBC miniseries adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
Lucy is the author of four books for teens and young adults: The Paper & Hearts Society series, and Real When I’m With You. In her spare time she also the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Brontë Society. When she’s not writing or reading, she can be found cuddling her corgi, Margie, and looking after her herd of very cute guinea pigs.
Lucy's links: linktr.ee/lucythereader
My 21andsensory links:
@21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensoryWork with me: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com/working-with-me21andsensory Blog: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com@21andsensory on X: https://x.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/21andsensory.bsky.social
Episode 98: Special Guest, Rachel Morgan-Trimmer (TEDx speaker, Neurodiversity Consultant & Author!)
2025/08/29
Very excited to announce that on this months 21andsensory Podcast episode I have special guest Rachel Morgan-Trimmer
Rachel is (and does) many things including being:
• An International keynote and TEDx speaker
• A neurodiversity consultant and trainer
• An entrepreneur
• …and an author!
Rachel founded Sparkle Class in 2019 which has since rebranded to Firebird which is a company that delivers training on how to create an inclusive workplace and society for people living with ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism and Dyspraxia.
Firebird have worked with clients such as the BBC, NHS, HP, and the British Academy to name a few. Rachel is the author of ‘How to be Autistic’ a free ebook that aims to guide autistic people through what being autistic means, how to manage challenges, and help them to find their own purpose.
Also this is my favourite bit of the book description:
It will help ‘empower you to live as the shiny authentic autistic you were always meant to be’ 💫
So I am very excited to chat to Rachel about everything she does!
Rachels links:
Firebird WebsiteRachel's Book Website: ' How to be Autistic'Rachel's LinkedInRachel's Instagram
My 21andsensory links:
@21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensoryWork with me: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com/working-with-me21andsensory Blog: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com@21andsensory on X: https://x.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/21andsensory.bsky.social
Episode 97: Special Guest, Hannah (Illustrator @sadsnailadventures)
2025/07/31
On today's episode I have special guest Hannah. Hannah is an illustrator who created SadSnailAdventures after discovering she is neurodivergent and being diagnosed with autism. Hannah wanted to build a creative space to share the highs, lows, and everything in between about living as a neurodivergent person, hoping it helps others feel less alone.
Hannah loves bringing her illustrations and products to life on her Etsy store of the same name and I am excited to chat to her about all things creative!
Hannah's Links:
@sadsnailadventures on: Instagram | TikTok | WhatNot | Etsy
My 21andsensory links:
@21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensoryWork with me: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com/working-with-me21andsensory Blog: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com@21andsensory on X: https://x.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/21andsensory.bsky.social
Episode 96: Special Guest, Georgia De Gidlow (Actor, Keedie in A Kind Of Spark and Writer)
2025/06/27
My special guest on this episode of the 21andsensory Podcast is the wonderful Georgia De Gidlow. Georgia is an actor who is based both in Belfast and in London. She made her on-screen debut in a lead role in the BBC’s 'A Kind of Spark', which was nominated for a number of awards, including an Emmy nomination for casting. It won “Best Children’s Programme” at the 2024 Broadcast Awards.
Georgia has also played Wendy in the Watford Palace Theatre’s production of Peter Pan, proving her strong ability on stage.
Something you may not know about Georgia is that she has a degree in Politics and International Relations, and continues to have an aptitude for writing and journalism.
Georgia's Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgiadgA Kind of Spark on BBC iPlayer (also on BYUtv)Head2Head Sensory Theatre (Georgia is an ambassador and will be running summer drama workshops soon!): https://h2hsensorytheatre.com/
Links to things mentioned:
Sing Sing FilmNetflix documentary on prison craft group (also Emily meant to say Quilting not Knitting!)Neurodivergent wing at Pentonville Prison
My 21andsensory links:
21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory
@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensory21andsensory Blog: https://21andsensory.wordpress.com @21andsensory on Twitter: twitter.com/21andsensory
Episode 95: Special Guest, Kay Wilson ( Illustrator, Cover artist for A Kind Of Spark and Keedie)
2025/04/25
I am really excited to chat to today's special guest Kay Wilson.
Kay is a Nottingham-based illustrator, most well known for her cover of the best-selling book A Kind of Spark, as well as Keedie, Like a Charm and Like a Curse by Elle McNicoll.
Kay has worked on a wide range of projects, from editorial illustration to podcast art. I hope you enjoy listening to our chat!
Things Kay mentioned and recommended (with notes below provided by Kay!):
Gabe Dunn Article - Get Rich or Die Vlogging (the original was posted to Fusion, which doesn't seem to exist anymore, hence the reupload)Layout Paper - I used Seawhite of Brighton's one if people want exactTombow Brush PensPosca MarkersPentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen - the name of the pen Kay couldn't remember!Pith Sketchbook - technically I use their "blank notebook" as their official sketchbooks have much heavier GSM paper, and I mainly use ink. The heavier GSM is probably better for painting, but the notebook level is perfect for sketching and doodles :)
Kay’s links:
Instagram: Kay Wilson 🌙 (@kayaotic) • Instagram photos and videosBluesky: kay 🌙 (@kayaotic.bsky.social)Website kaywilsonillustration.com
Elle’s social links:
Elle’s website and books: ellemcnicoll.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellemcnicollofficialX: twitter.com/BooksandChokersTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellemcnicollYouTube: www.youtube.com/@ellemcnicollofficialMy 21andsensory links:
@21andsensory on Instagram: instagram.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on YouTube, X and Bluesky: @21andsensory21andsensory Blog: 21andsensory.wordpress.com
Episode 94: Special Guest, Dr Emma Cernis (Clinical Psychologist and Researcher)
2025/04/10
I am really excited to chat to today's special guest Dr Emma Cernis. Emma is a clinical psychologist and researcher with expertise in complex mental health difficulties. She is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Birmingham and works within the School of Psychology and the Institute for Mental Health.
Through her research, Emma aims to improve the understanding and treatment of dissociative difficulties. Clinically, Emma has expertise in working with young adults experiencing dissociative symptoms before or during a first episode of psychosis, and with children, teenagers, and families affected by sexual trauma.
Emma set up the Midlands Dissociation and Depersonalisation Clinic (links below)
Emma’s Links:
Midlands Dissociation & Depersonalisation Centre: http://www.midlands-ddc.comMidlands DDC Instagram: www.instagram.com/midlands.ddc Emma’s website: www.emmacernis.comResource Page: https://www.midlands-ddc.com/loved-ones) and (https://www.midlands-ddc.com/clinician-resources)Cernis Scale: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37926868/
Also mentioned:
Unreal Charity: www.unrealcharity.comJoe Perkins Book: (https://www.waterstones.com/book/life-on-autopilot/joe-perkins/)Blog post I did for Unreal: (https://www.unrealcharity.com/blog/emilys-story-coming-to-terms-with-dpdr)
My 21andsensory links:
@21andsensory on Instagram: instagram.com/21andsensory@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensory21andsensory Blog: 21andsensory.wordpress.com@21andsensory on Twitter: twitter.com/21andsensory
Episode 93: Special Guest, Chloe Tear (Disability Blogger and Writer)
2025/02/28
I am really excited to chat to today's special guest which is the lovely Chloe Tear. Chloe is an award winning disability blogger and freelance writer with 10 years experience. On her blog she documents her lived experiences as a disabled young woman and she currently works as a senior content designer for GOV.UK.
Chloe has had Cerebral Palsy from birth, but became visually impaired during her first year of university. Chloe's sight-loss continues to deteriorate and she has been registered as severely sight impaired (formally known as blind).
Now some listeners might recognise Chloe because she has been on the podcast before - it was Episode 62 in October 2022. You might also remember that Chloe had been accepted onto a list in 2020 for a guide dog and was still waiting to hear back…..
But now… we are back…. and CHLOE HAS MUCH NEWS!
Chloe's Links:
Twitter: twitter.com/chloeltear Instagram: www.instagram.com/chloe_tear YouTube: www.youtube.com/chloetear Chloe's Website: chloetear.co.uk
My 21andsensory links:
@21andsensory on Instagram - instagram.com/21andsensory @21andsensory on TikTok - tiktok.com/@21andsensory 21andsensory on YouTube - youtube.com/21andsensory @21andsensory on Twitter - twitter.com/21andsensory
Episode 92: Special Guest, Dr Alex Smalley (Researcher and Communicator)
2025/01/31
Dr Alex Smalley is a researcher and communicator aiming to understand more about how experiences in nature can impact people’s wellbeing. Alex is based at the University of Exeter's European Centre for Environment and Human Health and holds a PhD in environmental psychology. Since 2017 he has been investigating the cognitive and emotional impacts of virtual encounters with the natural world.
Most recently, he partnered with the BBC Natural History Unit and Audible to create the Healing Power of Nature, an immersive 8-part audio series, written and narrated by Alex, that introduces key concepts from the field of environmental psychology.
Alex has worked with the BBC on several research collaborations, including the award-winning Radio 4 series Forest 404, the cross-platform BBC Music initiative Soundscapes for Wellbeing and the BBC Four series Mindful Escapes.
Alex also has a background in the physical sciences and science communication – he spent over a decade communicating complex concepts to a range of national and international audiences.
Alex's Links:
Alex's website
Alex's University of Exeter Profile
Dr Jack Reed Profile | University of Exeter (https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/42856-jack-reed)
Alex mentioned: 'russell's circumplex model of affect'
My links:
@21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory
@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory
21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensory
21andsensory Blog: 21andsensory.wordpress.com
@21andsensory on Twitter: twitter.com/21andsensory
Episode 91: A huge 2024 round-up with Emily!
2024/12/28
Grab a hot drink and a snack because it's time for a huge 2024 catch-up episode with Emily! (who only realised as she was recording that it’s been an entire YEAR since she did a solo episode?!)
Things I cover (with timestamps):
0:00 Intro + Spotify Wrapped Stats
5:00 A wrap up of 2024’s podcast guests
23:20 Life Update and Instagram Questions
40:34 Portal App!
52:45 Books I've read this year (open link!)
Things I mentioned:
Emily’s Lego: https://amzn.to/3ZQZmJb
Portal app link: Access a free One Month Premium Membership: https://portal.app/?offer=21andsensory
Brilliant books from lovely 2024 guests:
‘Ramping Up Rights An Unfinished History of British Disability Activism’ By Rachel Charlton Dailey (Out in 2025, Preorder): https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/ramping-up-rights/
‘Girl Unmasked: The Sunday Times Bestseller: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life’ By Emily Katy: https://www.authenticallyemily.uk/book
‘All Tangled Up in Autism and Chronic Illness: A guide to navigating multiple conditions’ By Charli Clement: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/charli-clement/all-tangled-up-in-autism-and-chronic-illness/9781839975240/
’Some Like It Cold’ By Elle McNicoll: https://ellemcnicoll.com/books/some-like-it-cold
‘University: The Autistic Guide: Everything You Need to Survive and Thrive’ By Dr Harriet Axbey: https://pavpub.com/catalogue-2024/university-the-autistic-guide-everything-you-need-to-survive-and-thrive
My Links:
21andsensory on Instagram: www.instagram.com/21andsensory
@21andsensory on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@21andsensory
21andsensory on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/21andsensory
21andsensory Blog: 21andsensory.wordpress.com
@21andsensory on Twitter: twitter.com/21andsensory
Episode 90: Special Guest, Dr Harriet Axbey (Autistic early career researcher + author)
2024/11/29
I am super excited for today's episode as I have special guest Dr Harriet Axbey on the show. Harriet Axbey is an autistic early career researcher at Swansea University. She is a research assistant on the “Autism from Menstruation to Menopause” Wellcome Trust Funded project within the Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science. This project aims to look at the reproductive health experiences of autistic people with wombs across the lifespan.
Harriets areas of expertise include:
AutismNeurodivergenceNeurodiversityDiffusion ChainsUniversity Accessibility
Harriet is on the show today to share more about her recent book that’s been published which is called: University: The Autistic Guide. This informative and friendly handbook is a guide to starting university for autistic young people, covering the entire process from applying, packing and financial admin to mental health support, dealing with burnout, finding your people and experiencing new opportunities.
Harriet Axbey (@axbey) / XJonathan Raiseborough ✏✨ (@jo_raiseborough) / XHome | portfolio (jonathanraiseborough.wixsite.com)University: The Autistic Guide: Everything You Need to Survive and Thrive - Pavilion Publishing (pavpub.com)Understanding Others in a Neurodiverse World: A Radical Perspective on Communication and Shared Meaning - Pavilion Publishing (pavpub.com)University – The Autistic Guide: Everything You Need to Survive and Thrive: Amazon.co.uk: Harriet Axbey: 9781803882543: BooksMy Brother Tom Has Superpowers : Axbey, Harriet: Amazon.co.uk: BooksMy Brother Tom Has SuperpowersHarriet Axbey | YouCaxton PublicationsFollow Harriet on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/draxbey.bsky.social
Podcast sponsorship advertising
Start advertising on 21andsensory Podcast relevant audience podcasts
You may also like to advertise on these Podcasts

4.9204419
Music Production Podcast
Brian Funk

4.9595848
Ducks Unlimited Podcast
Ducks Unlimited Inc.

4.7385703
Espresso English Podcast
Shayna Oliveira

4.91114142
UNCOVERED
MeidasTouch Network

4.8161054
Barn Burner: Boomer & Pinder with Rhett Warrener
The Nation Network

4.1114118
هاگیرواگیر
هاگیرواگیر HAAGIRVAAGIR, پژمان, مهسا, ماندنی

4.7174773
The Whispering Woods : Real Life Ghost & Paranormal Stories
True, Scary, Paranormal, Folklore and Ghost Stories

4.7916140
First Date with Lauren Compton
YMH Studios

3.7400288
Nightline
ABC News

4.37264186
Hell and Gone
iHeartPodcasts