Tourette's Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Simon, a 31-year-old from the Toronto area, to talk about his personal journey living with Tourette Syndrome and OCD. Simon shares what it was like growing up without knowing anyone else with Tourette's, navigating early symptoms that were often dismissed, and the persistence it took for his family to finally get a diagnosis. He opens up about the overlap between Tourette Syndrome and co-occurring conditions like anxiety and OCD—and how those connections have shown up in his own life. We also dive into the impact of COVID-19, exploring how isolation, stress, and life changes affected both tics and mental health. Simon offers a unique perspective on how some aspects of the pandemic brought comfort and connection, while others intensified challenges. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Simon's approach to managing OCD—personifying it as "Bob"—and learning how to separate intrusive thoughts from his sense of self. It's an insightful and relatable strategy that many listeners may find helpful. Now stepping into advocacy, Simon is using his experiences to educate others through public speaking, sharing his story in schools and community spaces to break down misconceptions and increase understanding of Tourette Syndrome.

This week we speak to Jessisca who talks to us about how she was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome later in life and her life as a full-time author! Jessica has published five books over the last decade, two of which are directly related to Tourette Syndrome. Her latest book is titled Madamn and is about a woman who went her whole life without knowing she had Tourette Syndrome. This was another incredible interview and we know you're going to love it! If you or anyone you know would like to know more about Tourette Syndrome or are looking for resources, please visit tourette.org

This week, we are joined by Felix and his parents! Felix is an amazing young man who has been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and has become quite the advocate with a list of accomplishments, including being a Key Note Speaker at just 12 years old! Tune in to learn more about Felix, where we get into School, accommodations, and so much more! If you'd like to learn more about Tourette Syndrome or need resources to help, visit tourette.org today.

After a small(ish) break, we’re back with the first episode of Season 10! And what better guests than Amanda and Ellie! They graciously came on the podcast to discuss how Amanda and Ellie navigate school with Tourette Syndrome, how the school has supported them, and what has been included in their 504/IEP plans to help Ellie access the necessary resources to succeed in school. This episode is helpful for those with questions on how to navigate school, teachers, and advocating for yourself! If you would like to be a guest on Tourette's Podcast, reach out to us on Instragram or through email at Tourettespodcast@gmail.com

In this episode Jhonelle and Britney speak to Shadayne, an incredible woman from Jamaica who shares her story of diagnosis, daily life, and the ups and downs of living with Tourette Syndrome. Shadayne brings a light to being diagnosed as an adult, what it's like to live with Coprolalia as a person who is not comfortable with swearing and learning how to live inside of a body that she can no longer control. This is a great episode and one that is sure to teach so many people so much! Tune in and remember to subscribe to never miss an episode! And if you want to be a guest on the podcast, send us an email at Tourettespodcast@gmail.com For more information and resources regarding Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders, visit the Tourette Association of America at tourette.org. Fight stigma, raise awareness, expand community.

This week, Jhonelle and Britney welcome Britney's husband Scott, to talk about how they navigate Tourette Syndrome in their marriage, how Scott helps Britney through the hard moments, and everything in between - including some heated debate about Kitkat Ice Cream flavors? This is the last episode of the mini dating/Valentine's day specials, and we hope you enjoyed all three episodes! If you haven't had a chance, go back and check out the other two episodes and give them a listen. As always, if you'd like to be a guest on Tourettes Podcast, email us at tourettespodcast@gmail.com and if you'd like to learn more about Tourette Syndrome, go to tourette.org to find all kinds of resources for Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders.

This week we had the pleasure of sitting down with Max and Jasmine and talking about what it's like for them to be in a relationship where both people have Tourette Syndrome and other co-occurring conditions. We discuss what it's like for them in their relationship, what kind of accommodations do they set up for each other, how they help each other and so much more! It was another great conversation that we are sure everyone is going to love! For more information and resources regarding Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders, visit the Tourette Association of America at tourette.org. Fight stigma, raise awareness, expand community. And as a reminder, be sure to check out their replay of the webinar on March 18th, 2025 at 7:00pm: Navigating, Dating, and Disclosure for Adults.

**TRIGGER WARNING**: In this episode, there is some discussion about ab*se both mentally and physically. Please be aware that if this is something that might trigger or harm anyone's mental health, this begins being discussed at the 26-minute mark. This week Jhonelle and Britney sit down with Emma from Life's a Twitch Emma to talk about what it's like to date with Tourette Syndrome and some of the challenges and benefits it brings into dating and relationships. This is a great episode for anyone wondering about how others disclose in relationships and when, as well as some of the fears that come along with dating with Tourette Syndrome. Emma is a great advocate in the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community and everyone can learn so much from her by following along at @Lifesatwitchemma on all social media platforms.

This week, Jhonelle and Britney sit down with Anthony to talk about his upcoming bike ride across the United States for Tourette Syndrome Awareness. Anthony will be biking across the United States to raise awareness for Tourette Syndrome and funds for the Tourette Association of America. Anthony starts his journey in San Diego on March 2nd, 2025, concluding in St. Augustine, Florida on April 14th. If you would like to follow along on his journey, be sure to follow him on Instagram at anthony_cycles4ts and if you'd like to donate, you can do so by going to: https://www.givegab.com/campaigns/anthonycycles To be a guest on Tourette's Podcast, reach out to us by email at tourettespodcast@gmail.com For more information and resources regarding Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders, visit the Tourette Association of America at tourette.org. Fight stigma, raise awareness, expand community.

In this episode, Jhonelle sits down and speaks with our guest, Jaylen Arnold. Arnold is the founder of Jaylen's Challenge, a non-profit that spreads awareness on anti-bullying. Jhonelle and Jaylen speak about their years of friendship, Jaylen's story of how he started Jaylen's Challenge when he was getting bullied for having Tourette Syndrome, the impact his organization has made across schools, tips for dealing with bullying in school, and much more! For more information on his organization, you can visit jaylenschallenge.org For more information and resources regarding Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders, visit the Tourette Association of America at tourette.org. Fight stigma, raise awareness, expand community.

This week, Britney and Jhonelle sit down and speak with our guest, Kel Hannum. In this episode, we talk about his experience serving in the U.S. Airforce for 23 years as a civil engineer officer, others' responses to learning he had TS while serving, his experience with PTSD, parallels between tic disorders and PTSD, being diagnosed later in life, and much more! For more information and resources regarding Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders, visit the Tourette Association of America at tourette.org. Fight stigma, raise awareness, expand community.

This week, Britney and Jhonelle have a special guest: Colleen! In this episode, we talk about OCD, how it's stigmatized just like Tourette Syndrome is, and the real debilitating toll it can take on a person. If you want to learn more, head over to the Tourette Association's YouTube channel to watch "Living With Tourette Syndrome & OCD: A Community Perspective." For further information and resources regarding Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders, visit the Tourette Association of America at tourette.org. Fight stigma, raise awareness, expand community.

In this episode, Jhonelle and Britney take a lighthearted approach and talks about weird and humorous things their tics have made them do. They also talk about the importance of being able to laugh them off from time to time and how laughing with a person who tics instead of at them are two different and important distinctions. For more information and resources regarding Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders, visit the Tourette Association of America at tourette.org. Fight stigma, raise awareness, expand community.

In this episode, Britney and Jhonelle share their stories on how they began advocating about Tourette Syndrome, the ups and downs that come with advocacy, the Tourette Association's National Conference in June, and advice and tips for what to be prepared for if you're interested in advocating. For more information and resources regarding Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders, visit the Tourette Association of America at tourette.org. Fight stigma, raise awareness, expand community.

In this episode, Britney Wolf and Jhonelle Bean talk about how tics affect them, some features of tic disorders, like echopraxia, tics versus stimming, imposer syndrome, and much more. For more information and resources regarding Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders, visit the Tourette Association of America at tourette.org. Fight stigma, raise awareness, expand community.

It's a whole new season of Tourette's Podcast! Ben is back at the interview mic with two very special guests who bring us a path-altering twist. On this episode, we pass the torch to your amazing new hosts from the Tourette advocacy world: Britney Wolf and Jhonelle Bean. After a bit of hello and reintroduction, Ben, Britney and Jhonelle get to the classic Touretter conversation that this podcast has been about from the start. Enjoy, relate, share, and please show your love for Britney and Jhonelle as they take over and expand perspective on the Tourette community's favorite podcast. This is an awesome development. For more information and resources regarding Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders, visit the Tourette Association of America at tourette.org. Fight stigma, raise awareness, expand community.

It's a moving season finale episode talking with guest Allen Shoaff (a Tourette Association Rising Leader and Youth Ambassador) after highlighting the upcoming Tic Con and a dedication to a Touretter the community recently lost. A subsequent project seeks to build a top-class treatment facility for complex cases of Tourette. Thanks so much to the Tourette Association of America for making another season of episodes possible. Tw: Some discussion of suicide, suicidal ideation, depression during our conversation with Allen. Condolences to the family and friends of Ryan "Larry" Lawrence. Obituary with clinic donation info. Tic Con - https://touretteconference.org/

Back after Ben's laryngitis outage, it's a new episode, and our guest is Shelby Ally, a model and actor from Orange County, Calif., who manages a tic disorder and insomnia but has found power in self-acceptance and advocacy. Shelby, doing professionally what she loves, emphasizes the pursuit of dreams, with the acknowledgement of challenges. Plus: Listener questions about tics and temperture, art, and the TAA explainer card. Shelby Ally on Instagram Print a Tourette Association ID/explainer card Tourette's Action ID Card (UK) https://tourette.org/

We're back from our holiday and personal-biz break with a solid conversation Ben recorded recently with guest Sophie. This wasn't their first time talking; Sophie had involved Ben in a project she was working on regarding Tourette portrayals and the media experience. They examine that a bit before covering all sorts of life ground, as tends to happen with Tourette conversations. And mark this on your calendar (United States folks): March 8, the National Day of Advocacy, with a visit to Capitol Hill to advocate for Tourette and tic disorders. We'll repeat this info on the podcast in the episodes leading up to it. For more, visit https://tourette.org/. Sophie: https://www.instagram.com/skngriffiths/ https://www.instagram.com/basement_designs_jewelry/

Talking with professional writer Tara Lerman about a great many things, including the vitality we can find in highlighting Tourette stories and ongoing issues the community faces. Plus: a heap of answers to the question about good/constructive activities for a young person with Tourette. https://www.taralerman.com/ Tara Lerman, 'Why We Need to Change the Conversation Around Tourette Syndrome' Tourette Association of America FY22 Annual Report