The UpTic
The UpTic is a podcast that provides an opportunity for the eclectic voices of the TS community to be heard. The topics covered will be as diverse as this neurodivergent population. You will hear personal stories, learn more about Tourette Syndrome and be inspired to live fully. Wherever you are on your TS journey this podcast will inform and engage listeners and offer new insights and perspectives for self-reflection and action.
Why Listen?
- Explore the Iceberg: TS is more than tics. Discover the talents, challenges, and experiences that lie beneath the surface.
- Expert Takes: Stay updated with insights from therapists, psychologists, and neurodiversity professionals. Learn about cutting-edge TS therapies and research.
- Real Stories: Hear from diverse voices within the TS community, including LGBTQ+ and ethnic perspectives.
- Practical Tips: Get actionable strategies for managing TS in daily life.
Our Mission
We're not just here to educate; we aim to inspire action. Subscribe to join a movement committed to breaking down stereotypes and fostering inclusivity.
Tune In
Our first episode drops on November 7, with new episodes every other Tuesday. Subscribe now to never miss an episode and be part of a more inclusive world.
Episodes
33 episodes
Living Loudly with Tourette: Emily Fleischman’s Journey of Advocacy, Nursing, and Owning Her Story
In this episode, I sit down with someone I’ve known and admired for years—Emily Fleischman. Emily is a nurse at Mount Sinai West in New York City and a longtime advocate within the Tourette Syndrome community. From her early days as a Youth Amb...
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Season 2
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Episode 32
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32:39
Embracing Neurodiversity: An Artist’s Journey Through Creativity and Resilience
What does it mean to be truly free in our creativity? How do obstacles—both personal and societal—shape the way we express ourselves? In this episode, I sit down with Sara Henya, a Philadelphia-based composer, singer, harpist, guitarist, pianis...
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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47:35
Breaking Barriers: A Rhodes Scholar’s Journey with Tourette Syndrome
What does it take to overcome barriers and achieve your dreams? In this episode of The Uptick, I sit down with Jenna Smith, a senior at Duke University and a newly awarded Rhodes Scholar, to talk about her journey navigating Tourette S...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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46:01
Tim Howard Leadership Academy: Empowering Teens with TS Through Leadership and Resilience
Ever wondered what it’s like to be part of a life-changing leadership program designed specifically for teens with Tourette Syndrome? In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Fowler, director of the Tim Howard Leadership Academy, to explore how...
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Season 2
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Episode 29
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42:16
Music, Self-Acceptance, and Personal Growth with Wilamena Dyer
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, I sit down with Wilamena Dyer to explore her journey living with Tourette Syndrome and OCD. We dive into the challenges, triumphs, and surprising lessons that come with embracing neurodiversity, self-acc...
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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30:04
Reflect, Relate, Advocate: The UpTic's 2024 Season Highlights
Welcome back to The UpTic! As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the incredible conversations we’ve had this year and the powerful insights shared by our guests. In this special highlights episode, we revisit some of the standout...
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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39:19
Building Bridges: How Community Transforms Lives with NJCTS
Joining me this week are two incredible guests from the NJCTS Community Connections program: Peyton Estabrook, a long-time participant, and Alina Lawas Osborn, the program coordinator. In this episode, we discuss how creating safe spaces for pe...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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37:12
Holistic Approaches to Comprehensive Care with Clinical Psychologists
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lori Rockmore and Dr. Daniela Colognori, two clinical psychologists with extensive experience treating individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS) and related conditions. Both have a rich history of working at t...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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29:59
Navigating Your Career as a Neurodivergent Professional: Advocacy, Accommodations, and Success
Let’s get to work and discuss job searching and career building as a neurodivergent professional. Whether you're dealing with Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, or other conditions, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you navigate the ofte...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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29:57
Building on Legacy: Hilary Kruchowy’s Vision for the Future of NJCTS
In this episode, we’re excited to sit down with Hilary Kruchowy, the new Executive Director of the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS). Hilary shares her journey, from her beginnings in art history to her transition into nonprofit l...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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28:44
Managing OCD and Anxiety: Expert Insights from Dr. Robert Zambrano
In this episode of The UpTick, I chat with Dr. Robert Zambrano, a clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioral therapist specializing in Tourette Syndrome (TS), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and anxiety disorders. Dr. Zambrano shares h...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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44:35
Tourette in the Family: A Conversation with Siblings
In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with siblings Anna and Eric Baldwin, both of whom grew up with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Anna, a middle school math teacher, and Eric, a senior at Franklin and Marshall College, share their unique ...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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39:29
Your Guide to Accommodations in Education and Employment
In this episode, I sit down with Ray Nardella, the Assistant Director of Resident Life for Student Conduct at the University of Maryland. Ray shares his extensive experience with public policy, disability law, and grassroots organizing, all whi...
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Season 3
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Episode 20
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38:12
Ongoing Genetic Research with Tourettic Mice
In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Drs. Jay and Max Tischfield, father and son renowned Tourette researchers at Rutgers University. They share their fascinating journey into the world of Tourette Syndrome research, discussing how they...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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44:21
Do You Tic in Your Sleep?
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ben Mooney, an Occupational Therapist based in Colorado, specializing in insomnia. He has Tourette syndrome and is a certified CBIT practitioner.We uncover how brain imaging has shed l...
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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37:18
Navigating Tourette's: A Father-Son Journey
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Lichtman and his son, Jeremy Lichtman, PsyD, for an intimate conversation about parenting a child with Tourette syndrome. Jeff, a renowned psychologist and visionary leader in special educatio...
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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41:09
What Makes Them Tic? Parenting a Child with TS
On this insightful episode, I sit down with author Michele Turk to discuss her newly released memoir "What Makes Him Tic? A Memoir of Parenting a Child with Tourette Syndrome." As both a journalist and mom, Michele shares her candid journey nav...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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35:41
Diagnosed in the 1970s by Dr. Shapiro with Daniel Ferron
If you're looking to be inspired, you're in for a treat with today's episode of our podcast. I had the privilege of speaking with Daniel Ferron, an extraordinary individual whose journey with Tourette Syndrome is nothing short of incredible. Da...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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32:09
Research-based Treatment of Tics, OCD, and Depression
In this episode, I had a compelling conversation with Dr. Angie Landeros-Weisenberger, an Associate Research Scientist at the Yale Child Study Center. We discuss the current state of research and the latest breakthroughs in treating tics and co...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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32:51
Advocating for Neurodiversity with Slayton Cooper
Today I am joined by Slayton Cooper, a high school senior valedictorian and youth ambassador for the Tourette Association of America. Slayton is a passionate advocate for Tourette Syndrome, neurodiversity, and related conditions. We explore wha...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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41:51
Navigating Parenting a Child with Tourette Syndrome
In this episode, I share a deeply personal journey that hits close to home for many of us navigating the complexities of parenting a child with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Alongside the insightful Rena and Maggie LaSalle, we delve into the world of...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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36:12
Demystifying Georges Gilles de la Tourette: The Early History of Tourette Syndrome Part 2
We continue our fascinating deep dive into the winding history of Tourette Syndrome. Dr. Howard Kushner joins me again to discuss the early focus on coprolalia, psychoanalytic theories blaming patients, and the heroic efforts of advocates like ...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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20:43
Demystifying Georges Gilles de la Tourette: The Early History of Tourette Syndrome Part 1
In this episode, we embark on the first of a two-part series, diving into the history of Tourette Syndrome (TS) with Dr. Howard Kushner, a renowned expert in the history of neurology and medicine. We explore the evolution of TS from its earlies...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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24:26
Connecting the Dots Between Occupational Therapy and Tourette Syndrome
In this episode, I speak with occupational therapists Shannon Floyd and Jan Rowe about their expertise helping both children and adults with Tourette Syndrome. We have an enlightening discussion around how occupational therapy can empower those...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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34:15
Empathy in Action: Navigating Nursing with Tourette's - Jillian's Journey
In this episode, I interviewed another TS advocate, Jillian Firenze. Jillian has been a coach and a nurse at the annual NJCTS Tim Howard Leadership Academy. In this episode, we discuss her childhood growing up with TS (and having siblings who a...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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28:32