Leta's Tap Styles
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.
Episodes
69 episodes
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
Autism, Dance, and Determination: Year One at Autistic Wings
In this engaging conversation, Amanda and Leta celebrate the first anniversary of the Autistic Wings Dance Company, reflecting on their journey, challenges faced in traditional dance studios, and the importance of creating an inclusive environm...
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Season 2
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36:39
Each Step Speaks: Communication, Autism, and the Dance of Life
In this episode of Leta's Tap Styles podcast, Leta and Amanda host guest Mario Wissa, who shares his journey from Cairo, Egypt to the United States, his diverse professional background, and his passion for communication. The discussion delves i...
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Season 2
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1:15:15
Beyond the Mask: Teaching Dance Authentically
In this engaging conversation, Amanda and Leta discuss the intersection of autism and the dance studio. They focus on the importance of true authenticity and the detrimental effects of masking. They explore the challenges faced by autistic danc...
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Season 2
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49:17
Diverse Beats: Life’s Dance Through Neurodiversity
In this heartwarming and informative episode of 'Leta Tap Styles', hosts Leta and Amanda welcome Dr. Kristen Williamson, a licensed professional counselor with a PhD in Behavioral Health Management. Join them as they discuss living with autism ...
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Season 2
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57:55
The Pallet Cleanser Epsiode: A Little Bit of Fluff
Join Leta and Amanda on this week’s “Tap Tuesday” where they take a break from serious topics and discuss a little bit of fluff and toss in a breakdown of Chloe Arnold's choreography. You'll get a glimpse of their fun interactions, quirky discu...
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Season 2
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27:59
Redefining Education and Inclusion with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh
In this episode of Leta Tap Styles podcast, guest Dr. Bibi Pirayesh, an educational therapist and adjunct faculty at Pepperdine University, joins us to discuss neurodiversity as a social justice. Especially when it comes to the needs of neurodi...
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Season 2
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51:17
How Masking Impacts the Autistic Dance Student
In this episode of the Leta’s Tap Styles, Leta and Amanda discuss the lifelong impacts of masking on autistic dancers. They discuss how dance studio owners and teachers – while well meaning – often cause harm by not understanding what masking i...
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Season 2
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46:34
We Were Going to Talk About Her Thrive Program: Chatting with Michelle Choairy
The plan had been to talk to about her program, Thrive, for parents of kids with complex needs. But, when friend of the program, Michelle Choairy, joins the program, scripted questions go out the window. Join us instead as we kind of talk about...
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Season 2
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32:56
Sticks and Stones: Teachers Inability to Understand Leaves Lasting Consequences
This week, thirteen years old co-host, Leta, gets a bit personal as she discusses how her dance teachers words left deep wounds. Coming at the discussion from her invisible hip issues, Leta and Amanda discuss how dance teachers never fully unde...
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Season 2
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39:52
Son Rise to Sarah Rise: A Conversation with author Jennifer Celeste Briggs
This week, we welcome Jennifer Celeste Briggs, author of the new book, "Watching Sarah Rise." Jenny's takes us along on her journey to find the right therapies and support for her daughter, Sarah. With the help of an entire community of volunte...
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Season 2
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45:38
Chloe Arnold's Syncopated Ladies 2025 Concert Tour Review
Chloe Arnold's Synco;ated Ladies have officially kicked off their 2025 Concert Tour. Join Amanda and Leta as they give their review of the two shows they watched. (Greeley on Feb 1st and Lone Tree on Feb 2nd.)Get your tickets - or let t...
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Season 2
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29:46
Unveiling Abilities: Rethinking IEPs and Inclusion
This week on Leta’s Tap Styles Podcast "Friend's Friday" we welcome Leanne Pritchett. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, insights from years of professional experience, and practical tips for families navigating the complex world of specia...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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54:07