In Episode 46, Sunny and Mayank sit down with Kevin Helgren.
After being diagnosed with Tourette’s in middle school, Kevin Helgren, a current Stanford and Harvard Candidate, shares how it’s changed his view of the world.
Humans are biologically wired to categorise people, places and things: safe, or unsafe? Likable, or unlikable? Similar, or different? But first impressions are, by definition, based off of incomplete data — so what if we questioned them? In this episode, Kevin discusses how having Tourette’s – a neurological condition characterised by involuntary vocal and/or motor spasms called tic – has coloured the lens through which he views both the world and those he’s lucky enough to navigate it with.
In this episode we chat:
- Kevins upbringing in the States and his experiences as the first queer Student Body President at The University of Texas at Austin
- How he balances his MBA at Stanford GSB and MPP at Harvard Kennedy School (we also don't know how he gets 36 hours in his day...)
- His diagnosis with Tourette's Syndrome in sixth grade, which altered his life in more ways than one (& the role his legendary and supportive mother Sarah played)
- Understanding Identity: Intersectionality, Neurodiversity and the Queer movement
- Leadership lessons and what's ahead
- Cheeky rapid fire 👀
Kevin shed's light on his lived experiences with Tourette’s; sings the neurodiversity gospel; and make three calls to action.
1. Question first impressions – they’re based off limited sets of data.
2. Take time to learn someone’s story – and do it with grace, empathy, and curiosity.
3. Actively expand your in-group – we learn from folks who look, act, think, pray, and love differently than we do.
This one is a powerful one, you do not want to miss it. Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 💙
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There are some sensitive topics we touch on regarding mental health so if there are any triggers for you please know there is support and there will be plenty of links in access below.
LifeLine - Ph: 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Banksia Project - https://thebanksiaproject.org.au/
Mr. Perfect - https://mrperfect.org.au/
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As always, Bottled Up is a passion project to help provide a voice to those many men who are going through the peaks and troughs of life. We are not trained professionals and if you're worried about someone close to you and their mental wellbeing, it's important to get professional advice.
Start a conversation with them and let them know that they're not alone and that there are many support resources out there - including friends, family, school chaplains and plenty more!
If you're feeling distressed or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue has a number of trained mental health professionals available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.
For immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 and in an emergency, always dial 000.
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
