Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)
Thirteen years old Leta is a member of Chloe Arnold's international youth tap company, SoleTalk, a podcaster, a founder of a nonprofit dance studio for autistic dancers like her, severely dyslexic, and has autism. Along with her mom, Amanda, Leta discusses a varity of issues from the bullying Leta has faced in dance studios because of her autism and dyslexia, to the difficulties of starting a new nonprofit. Along the way, Leta and Amanda also talk about Leta's love of tap dancing. They also host special guests ranging from Leta's dance family and friends, to experts in ASD, to parents and advocates of complex kids.
Want to come on the show to talk about tap dancing, dance, autism, or neurodivergency? Check out our profile on PodMatch! You can also see what previous guests have to say about being on the show. https://www.podmatch.com/member/letastapstylesguest
Episodes
81 episodes
From Brazil to the US: Michelle Choairy on Ballet, Friendship, & Finding Your Place
You may know Michelle Choairy as the amazing woman behind Wisdom4Complex Kids and her THRIVE mentorship program. Maybe you recognize her from her frequent appearances on our show, sharing her experiences raising a Complex Kid.However, to...
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Season 2
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54:46
Trust Your Parent Gut And Ski Past The Struggles
We convinced Rob Delena to join us again here on “Leta’s Tap Styles (And my Autistic Life)”. (Without Ryan, who was busy celebrating his birthday and rock climbing.) Join us as Rob shares more of his journey as a parent navigating the special n...
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Season 2
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54:49
Ruffles, Rants, and Sensory Wins: Dancing Through Leta's Favorite Recital Costumes
Get ready for ruffles, rants, and sensory wins as only Leta can do! In this episode, Leta and Amanda count down Leta’s top three recital costumes based off Leta’s Sensory Issues—sharing laughs, stories, and what makes a costume truly sensory-fr...
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Season 2
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44:02
The Mask We Wear: How Masking Fuels Burnout
Ever feel like you’re wearing a mask just to get through the day? Dr Kristen drops by the show again to discuss autistic masking, why we do it, and how it can sneakily lead to autistic burnout. You know you’re in for laughs, honest moment...
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Season 2
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44:16
Behind the Tap: Tales from the Set of SoleTalk’s “PJ & Rooster” Shoot
Join us in this entertaining episode as Leta and Amanda explore the creative chaos behind the latest SoleTalk video choreographed by Chloe Arnold, famously known for 'Syncopated Ladies.' Leta goes a step further and uses her imagination, turnin...
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Season 2
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1:04:10
From Stutters to Strengths: A Conversation on Finding Your Voice (with Jason Heffler)
Join Leta, Amanda, and guest Jason Heffler on the Leta’s Tap Styles this Friends’ Friday. Jason joins us to discuss his children’s book, Tongue Tied. Tongue Tied is the story of Cadence, a chameleon who is shy and is often bul...
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Season 2
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56:57
Sarah Rise: Navigating Motherhood and Autism with Grace
In this episode of Leta’s Tap Styles, hosts Leta and Amanda welcome back Jennifer Celeste Briggs. Jennifer joins us to discuss the transformative Son Rise Program, and how it helped her with her daughter, Sarah. This enriching conversation goes...
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Season 2
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57:52
Sensory Issues and Dance Costumes: My Top Five Most Hated Dance Costumes
In this episode of the Leta’s Tap Styles Podcast, Leta and Amanda look at Leta’s Five Least Favorite Costumes, and the roll Leta’s complex sensory issues had on the list. They discuss the lack of understanding and knowledge most dance teachers ...
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Season 2
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48:21
Stimming, Meltdowns, and Acceptance: A Conversation with Kara Nash, RN
Join Amanda and Leta sit down with Kara Nash, a registered nurse who is also autistic, to discuss various aspects of autism from a medical perspective. From the importance of stimming and the misunderstanding of autistic meltdowns to the flaws ...
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Season 2
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1:02:30
The Silent Struggle Within: Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Dance
In this episode, Amanda and Leta delve into the complexities of Imposter Syndrome, and how it often affects dance students. They discuss how dance is often touted as a confidence booster for children, yet many dancers, including Leta, struggle ...
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Season 2
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49:46
The Dance of Dyslexia: Education and Advocacy with Jess Arce
Join us as we dive deep into the complexities of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia with special guest, Jess Arce, owner of 3D Learning Experts Tutoring. Jess, who has extensive experience with neurodiversity including her own family, helps ...
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Season 2
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59:48
Everyone Can Dance: Autism, Inclusivity and Dance
In this episode of Leta’s Tap Styles, we talk about how anyone can dance. It doesn’t matter who you are, you can dance. We talk a bit about some of those people who were told they couldn’t dance or sing, or play a guitar. Yet they became some o...
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Season 2
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38:00
The Importance of Parental Advocacy in Autistic Education
In this conversation, Amanda Trisdale, Rebecca Prejean, and Leta Rundell discuss the challenges and experiences of raising neurodivergent children, particularly in educational settings. They share personal stories about bullying, the importance...
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Season 2
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58:46
Dancing Through Life with Autism: with insights from April Ratchford
In this episode of the Leta’s Tap Styles podcast, we welcome “Friend of the Podcast” April Ratchford. April brings her knowledge as an occupational therapist, as an autistic person, and as the mother of an autistic child to the table. (He will ...
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Season 2
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59:48
The Power of Therapy Dogs: Enhancing Education and Reducing Stress
In this episode of Leta’s Tap Styles Podcast, host Leta and her mom, Amanda, discuss the impact of therapy dogs in educational settings with Dr. Barbara Vokatis, half of an amazing therapy dog team, and a professor of Education. They explore th...
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Season 2
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57:44
The Spin of Eye Dominance: Understanding Neurodiversity in Dance
In this episode of the Leta’s Tap Styles podcast, Leta and Amanda discuss the challenges and experiences involving eye dominance in dance, specifically addressing the left eye dominance and its impact on performing pirouettes. They explore the ...
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Season 2
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48:36
Demystifying Autism: A Conversation with Autism Advocate Sam Mitchell
In this heartfelt episode of the Leta’s Tap Styles Podcast, host Leta and her mom welcome Sam, an autism advocate a podcaster, and the brain behind 'Autism Rocks and Rolls.' They discuss common misconceptions about autism, the struggles a...
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Season 2
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54:33
The Autistic Dancer: Understanding, Acceptance, and Awareness
In this episode of 'Leta's Tap Styles', Leta and Amanda delve into their personal experiences with autism, focusing on how it defines their identity. They discuss how well-meaning people will often ignore that someone is autistic, using the phr...
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Season 2
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42:20
Military Life Uncovered: Neurodiversity and Overcoming Challenges with Dr Kristen
Dr Kristen Williamson returns to the podcast for a discussion on advocating for neurodiversity within the military, focusing on the challenges and strategies for supporting neurodivergent children and their families. We discuss the stress level...
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Season 2
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1:07:17
Dance, Dogs, and Derpy on the Ranch
This week features Leta discussing her latest video and photo shoot, and how autism does or does not affect her ability to handle shoots. Leta also discusses her experiences dancing and interacting with animals. The conversation covers various ...
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Season 2
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32:24
Step into My Shoes: Rebecca's Journey from Nonverbal to Special Education Advocate
In this episode of Leta’s Tap Styles, guest Rebecca Engle, a special education teacher, ten-time author, and six-time poet, shares her experiences growing up nonverbal, her journey to becoming verbal, and her work in special education. Rebecca ...
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Season 2
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47:15
Generation Alpha Unplugged: Dance, Autism, and Everything In Between
This conversation explores the differences between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, particularly in the context of their experiences during the COVID pandemic. It highlights the impact of online learning and therapy on childhood development, communication ...
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Season 2
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1:01:34
Kerie Logan on Parenting and the Power of Authenticity
In this episode, host Leta and her mom welcome guest Kerie Logan, a therapist, empowerment specialist, podcast host, and parent of an autistic child with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). They delve into topics such as autism, masking, the i...
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Season 2
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47:42
Fundraising with Heart: Creating A Dance Community at Autistic Wings Dance Company
In this episode, Leta and her mom discuss the multifaceted nature of their podcast, blending tap dancing and autism awareness. They talk about their nonprofit, Autistic Wings Dance Company, its founding, and the need for fundraising to expand t...
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Season 2
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33:20
Navigating Neurodivergence with Michael Cole
In this episode of the 'Tap Styles' podcast, hosts Leta and Amanda welcome Michael. They discuss Michael's autism diagnosis journey, workplace challenges, and the importance of accommodations for autistic individuals. They emphasize the need fo...
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Season 2
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54:42