The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

Guest: Kiran Rodriguez joins Paul to share the personal story and mission behind NeuroMatch—a new platform that creates safer, Neurodiversity-Affirming spaces for dating, friendship, and community. We delve into feature choices such as chat prompts, voice notes, dyslexia-friendly colour settings, and verification; why starting local in Hampshire is important; and how the team is addressing safety, moderation, and crisis signposting.

Notable quotes
  • “ADHD is very hard to live with… It’s shaped me because I’ve learned how to be strong and resilient.”
  • “Prompts are there to help when you can’t think of what to say first.”
  • “I’m dyslexic—I want people to choose the colour that helps them read.”
  • “Friendship comes first… some people just want someone to talk to when they’re lonely.”
  • “You’re never alone… there’s always somebody you can connect with.”
Resources & links
Call to action
  • If you’re an ND seeking an authentic connection, join the NeuroMatch soft launch to share feedback and help shape the platform.
  • Creators & orgs in neurodiversity: reach out to collaborate on the pilot.
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Creators and Guests

Guest
Kiran Rodriguez
Founder of NeuroMatch — a friendship, dating & chat app I’m building by a neurodivergent person, for the neurodivergent community.

What is The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast?

We’re excited to share what’s next.

Beginning December 2025, all future episodes of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast will be available as full video experiences. Watch along on our YouTube channel (@neurodiversityvoicespodcast) or on Spotify, and connect with our conversations in a whole new way.

I’m Paul, the host of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast.

I’m not a clinician, researcher, or professional expert — and that’s intentional.

I come to this work as a neurodivergent individual with lived experience. I know what it feels like to navigate systems that weren’t designed for how your mind works, to question your own capacity because of labels, and to search for language that actually reflects who you are, not just how you’re measured.
​
This podcast exists because too many conversations about neurodiversity happen about us, rather than with us.

How This Podcast Is Different
​
Unlike many podcasts in this space, The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast isn’t built on credentials or clinical authority. It’s built on listening, reflection, and shared humanity.
​
I don’t position myself as an expert with answers. I show up as a facilitator of stories — asking curious, grounded questions from the perspective of someone who lives this reality every day.
​
That means:

Conversations aren’t rushed or overly polished
Guests aren’t reduced to diagnoses or achievements
Complexity, contradiction, and uncertainty are welcome
Lived experience is treated as valid knowledge

​Whether I’m speaking with educators, parents, authors, creatives, researchers, or other neurodivergent individuals, the focus is always the same: seeing the person before the label.
​
​Why Lived Experience Matters Here
​
Being neurodivergent shapes how I listen, how I notice patterns, and how I hold space. It allows me to ask questions that come from recognition rather than assumption — and to create conversations that feel safer, slower, and more honest.
​
This isn’t a podcast about fixing people.
It’s a podcast about understanding ourselves, our systems, and each other more clearly. If you’re looking for expert opinions, you’ll find many excellent shows.

If you’re looking for real conversations, grounded in lived experience and mutual respect, you’re in the right place.
​
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast — Embracing Every Mind. Sharing Every Voice.

Website: https://www.neurodiversityvoices.com

Follow Us On Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn: @neurodiversityvoicespodcast

Visit our merch store: https://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/category/all-products

Your feedback means the world to us. Please rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast app so we can continue amplifying neurodivergent voices.

Paul Cruz:

A quick reflection on the Make Change Market hosted by Employ2Empower on November 20 at Heritage Hall in Vancouver. This market brings together local entrepreneurs who are building with purpose and it was an honor to be part of it. Having a booth for the Neurodiversity Voices podcast was a meaningful experience. I created this podcast to amplify neurodivergent voices and it was incredible to watch that mission come to life in a physical space. People stopped by to share their stories, ask questions, and connect in ways that felt genuine and heartfelt.

Paul Cruz:

One thing I'm most proud of is how the booth naturally became a calm, safe spot in the middle of the busy market, a place where people felt comfortable opening up and being themselves. A big highlight for me was our interactive community board. Visitors wrote messages responding to the main question, What does neurodiversity mean to you? Answers like, You have something special to offer the world. It's okay to be different.

Paul Cruz:

Be you. Claim your inner weird freak. Everyone else is too scared. And be yourself if you are in a field of tulips and you are a rose. You are unique.

Paul Cruz:

That's why we love you. Seeing those words from the community was incredibly affirming. To everyone who came by the booth, thank you. Your stories and presence made today special. And thank you to Employ2Empower for creating a space where community and purpose come together, and they are planning to set up another market next summer.

Kiran Rodriguez:

People with ADHD and autism and other neurodiverse conditions can't always think of what to say or what to do or what to say first. So their prompts is there to help them so they can start a conversation. Neurodiverse, neurotypical, anything like that are not built for people like us because just people on there don't understand and they're just normal typical people. They're just not interested in someone that's got ADHD, autism, bipolar and so forth. And this is going to be just primarily for people that are diagnosed, undiagnosed, unsure, they're neurodiverse, and so they can meet a like minded person that understands them.

Paul Cruz:

Hello and welcome to the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast. I'm your host, Paul Cruz, and I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey of exploration, advocacy, and celebration of neurodiversity. Together, we'll have meaningful conversation, share inspiring stories, and challenge misconceptions about neurodiversity. This podcast is for everyone, whether you're neurodivergent yourself, an educator, a parent, or just someone curious to learn more. My goal is to amplify voices, foster understanding, and spark change in the way we view and support neurodiversity.

Paul Cruz:

I'm so excited to have you as we celebrate the beauty of diverse minds and work toward a more inclusive future. So sit back, relax, and let's get started. Back to the Neurodiversity Voices podcast, the space where we celebrate stories, experiences, and ideas from across the neurodivergent spectrum. I'm your host, Paul, and today we're diving into one of the most human things we all long for, connection. For many in the neurodivergent community, making and sustaining friendships or relationships can be challenging.

Paul Cruz:

But today's guest is working to change that. I'm joined by Kieran Rodriguez, the founder of NeuroBranch, a new initiative designed to help neurodivergent people find love, friendship, and community in spaces that truly understand and celebrate who we are. Kieran's story is deeply personal, and so is the mission behind MiroMatch. From lived experience to building an inclusive app and hosting real world meetups across Hampshire, Kiran's work is all about creating belonging, one genuine connection at a time. Let's jump into our conversation.

Paul Cruz:

Hey, Kieran, welcome to the Neurodiversity Voices podcast. I'm really glad you're here. I've been following your journey with NeuroMatch, and I love how you turned your own experiences with ADHD into something that helps people connect in a more authentic, neurodivergent, friendly way. We've got a lot to talk about from of growing up in Southampton and living with ADHD shaped who you are today?

Kiran Rodriguez:

Everything really. It's not really living in Southampton and in England. ADHD is very hard

Paul Cruz:

to live with and you've just got to learn how to deal with

Kiran Rodriguez:

it, basically and it's shaped me because I've learned how to be strong and resilient.

Paul Cruz:

When did NeuroMatch stop being an idea and become something you were determined to build?

Kiran Rodriguez:

That's it. That was, so it's in been my head for five years and I started doing it three years ago, but financially I couldn't afford it. So I really started in March, this year twenty five and yeah, I've here we are. And I just thought, I'm going to do it now, and I did.

Paul Cruz:

How do chat prompts and voice notes lower the barrier to starting the conversations?

Kiran Rodriguez:

Because people with ADHD and autism and other neurodiverse conditions can't always think of what to say or what to do or what to say first. So their prompts is there to help them so they can start a conversation.

Paul Cruz:

Why include a color selector for dyslexic readers? And how did you choose the options?

Kiran Rodriguez:

Because I am dyslexic myself and I find it difficult to read sometimes, so I rather people be able to read, choose their own colour and read for themselves.

Paul Cruz:

What does photo or video verification and GPS look like in practice and how will you handle moderation?

Kiran Rodriguez:

So I will make sure it's safe, it will have video verification and photo with GPS and I will physically be behind the computer deleting people if there's any interwards or anything that I don't believe they should be on the site.

Paul Cruz:

You started with dating in mind. Why broaden to friendship and community?

Kiran Rodriguez:

Because friendship comes first in any relationship, I think. I believe you should have your best friend as best well as lovers or partners and some people are not looking for relationships so they just want a friend or they just want someone to talk to when they're lonely.

Paul Cruz:

Why start in Hampshire and what tells you a new region is ready?

Kiran Rodriguez:

So I live in Hampshire, Southampton Hampshire in England and every airport that I've researched has started local. So I'm going to start local and then, obviously hope it let it grow globally.

Paul Cruz:

What outcomes define success for users and for you?

Kiran Rodriguez:

Everybody to sign up and find a connection, hopefully, with someone that understands them with with a like minded person.

Paul Cruz:

Where do mainstream platforms fail ND needs and how are you building the opposite?

Kiran Rodriguez:

So, age at typical, anything like that are not built for people like us because just people on there don't understand and they're just normal typical people, they're just not interested in someone that's got ADHD, autism, bipolar and so forth, And this is going to be just primarily for people that are diagnosed, undiagnosed, unsure if they're neurodiverse and so they can meet a like minded person that understands them.

Paul Cruz:

What kinds of orgs, creators, celebs would be ideal collaborators, and what would a pilot look like?

Kiran Rodriguez:

So anyone that is in the neurodiverse circle, there's lots of celebrities, creators and organisations and podcasters that are neurodiverse and in that world, so anybody that's actually neurodiverse and understands would be brilliant to get on board. Actually, it was going be an app, but I'm printing it into a website and it's actually going to be launching in a couple of weeks, but it will be launching a soft launch for the people that have signed up. So I've got over 300 signups worldwide. So they'll be using it for like a month for free to give me feedback and stuff. And then it'll go live and people will pay from the new year.

Paul Cruz:

When loneliness crosses into crisis, how will Neuromatch guide users to help within platform boundaries?

Kiran Rodriguez:

So, like I said, there'll be no introverts. There'll be reporting, there'll be signposting, there'll be me behind the computer, they'll be able to email me personally, there'll be like a support hub page where people can go elsewhere for support and ask for help.

Paul Cruz:

And finally, if a listener feels alone today, what do you want them to hear? And where can they join or follow your progress?

Kiran Rodriguez:

You're never alone, and you're always welcome to join Euromatch, which is www.euromatch.co.uk. Just remember you're never alone and there's always somebody out there that you can connect with and talk with.

Paul Cruz:

Kiran, this has been such a great chat. Thank you for being so open and real about your story and your work. What you're doing with neuromatch is incredible. It's giving people the space to connect without having to mask or fit into the usual boxes. I can't wait to see where you take it next.

Paul Cruz:

Thanks again for coming on the show. It's been awesome having you here. That was such an inspiring conversation with T. Rad Rodriguez, founder of NeuroMatch. I loved hearing how personal experience led to something that's already building bridges and redefining what connection can look like for neurodivergent people.

Paul Cruz:

If you'd like to learn more about NeuroMatch, check out the links in the episode description. If you're in Hampshire, look for their upcoming social events. And remember, connection doesn't have to follow anyone else's rules. Whether you're looking for friendship, love, or simply a sense of community, there's a space for you. If this conversation brought you clarity, encouragement, or just made you feel a little more seen, there are a few powerful ways you can support the work we're doing here.

Paul Cruz:

First, you can join our Patreon community. Your monthly support helps keep the podcast going, helps us bring on incredible guests, and allows us to create more resources for neurodivergent families and adults. Plus, you'll get access to bonus content and behind the scenes updates. Just search the neurodiversity voices podcast on Patreon, or find the link in our show notes. If you prefer one time support, we also have a GoFundMe campaign that helps cover production, accessibility tools, and future projects.

Paul Cruz:

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference in keeping the show alive and growing. And if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, you can now subscribe to our neurodiversity voices plus here. You'll get seven day early access to new episodes with a two week free trial and a listening experience designed just for our supporters. You can also show your love for the show by checking out our merch on Dashery shirts, hoodies, mugs, more. It's a fun way to support the mission and represent the neurodiversity community in your everyday life.

Paul Cruz:

Whether you support us financially, share an episode with a friend, or simply keep tuning in. You are an essential part of this community, and we're so grateful. Until next time, take care, stay curious, and keep celebrating the beauty of diverse minds. Thanks for listening to the neurodiversity voices podcast.