Qi Talks Behind the Mic: Why Our Canadian Neurodiversity Podcast Slaps

If you’re on the hunt for a neurodiversity podcast Canada can call its own: one that uplifts marginalized voices, tackles tough conversations with warmth, and consistently delivers education and inspiration, then stay tuned, it’s time for Qi Talks!

Produced by us here in Edmonton, Qi Talks is not just another neurodiversity-focused show. It’s an evolving community space where Indigenous, trauma-informed, and neurodiverse perspectives are given the spotlight they deserve, and every episode is a testament to why Canadian neurodiversity content matters more than ever.

What Makes Qi Talks Stand Out in Canada’s Neurodiversity Podcast Landscape?

From left to right: Deanna (host), Karen (guest) and Paula (host) chat together at the Qi Talks table.

While neurodiversity podcasts and neurodiversity representation grow by the day, Qi Talks is one of the few that roots its content in Canadian realities. That means recognizing how colonial history, Indigenous healing, and diverse family journeys navigating Canadian and Albertan healthcare shapes neurodivergent lives here and now.

  • Canadian ND podcast highlights: We feature episodes with local professionals, community activists, caregivers, and self-advocates. There’s no shying away from talking about the nuances of growing up neurodiverse, discovering a diagnosis in adulthood, or supporting neurodiverse youth as an adoptive or biological parent.

  • Podcast trauma healing Canada: We are very proud at Qi Creative of our trauma-informed practice, led by CEO and COO Jon Jon and Paula Rivero who are certified trauma practitioners with the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children. In Episode 012: My Name is Trauma with Coaches Jon Jon and Paula, the two share important breakthroughs around childhood adversity and recovery, while weaving in actionable tools for our listeners.

  • Indigenous voices in neurodiversity podcast: Episode 018: Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society with Executive Director Cheryl Whiskeyjack, we had the honour of Cheryl’s Indigenous wisdom and leadership and sharing what supports are available at Bent Arrow in Edmonton.

Intersectional, Story Driven, and Deeply Canadian

Podcast hosts Paula Audrey Rivero and Deanna Halls are, respectively, a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Professional Human Ecologist (PHEc) in the province of Alberta. With their lenses on top of our neurodiversity-affirming practice, we not only seek neurodiversity-affirming guests but also create the space for neurodiverse guests to tell their stories in comfort and confidence. This includes:

  • Expert interviews with therapists, clinicians, and teachers doing hands-on work in Canadian ND spaces.

  • First-person stories from guest advocates, including those from rural, Indigenous, and immigrant backgrounds.

  • Practical takeaways for families, educators, and healthcare workers—grounded in lived experience and trauma-informed best practices.

  • Highlight episodes and recurring themes include: rural/remote access, co-regulation and emotional safety (Episode 014: Regulation: Supporting Kids to Manage Big Emotions with Coach Taylor and Coach Sheka), therapy without barriers, combining multiple therapeutic specialties in the home setting, and the power of celebrating wins and storytelling.

A Spotlight on Autism and Self-Esteem with Neurodivergence

For those searching for a Canadian autism podcast, check out Episode 009: Qi Talks “AuDHD” with Coach Cat which dives into the intersections of Autism and ADHD, neurodivergent identity, and self-advocacy.

Episodes like Episode 014: Regulation: Supporting Kids to Manage Big Emotions with Coach Taylor and Coach Sheka and Episode 012: My Name Is Trauma with Coaches Jon Jon and Paula contextualize strategies in Canadian culture (as well as internationally as Jon shares his experiences in the Philippines), policy, and lived realities, reinforcing healing and resilience.

Episode 008: Qi Talks “OCD” with Coach Taylor shares another awesome guest and Qi Creative therapist; we believe our openness to disclose our own identities as neurodiverse clinicians strengthens our practice and provides authenticity and hope to families.

Where to Listen & How to Get Involved

Catch Qi Talks on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and right here at the Qi Talks page on this website.

If you’re interested in highlighting Canadian ND voices, want to deepen your trauma-informed toolkit, or are craving genuine, actionable conversation in the Canadian neurodiversity podcast scene, give Qi Talks a listen—and consider reaching out to host or share your story or propose a topic for us to talk about!

Qi Creative