Empowering Voices: A Conversation With Sam Mitchell On Autism Awareness (Motivational Speech)

On today's episode, Reginald D had the pleasure of interviewing Sam Mitchell, the creator and host of the Autism Rocks and Rolls Podcast. Sam, who has autism and was diagnosed at the age of four, shared his journey of resilience and determination in overcoming challenges and becoming a successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and podcast host.

Transcript

Welcome to Real Talk with Reginald D. I'm your host, Reginald D. On today's episode, I have an amazing young man. His name is Sam Mitchell. Sam is the creator and the host of Autism Rocks and Rolls podcast, and is also a motivational speaker and the executive director of his nonprofit, Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation. Sam has autism and was diagnosed at the age of four. And despite facing trials and tribulations growing up, Sam has become a successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and podcast host. Sam's life has been a journey of resilience and determination. Welcome to the show, Sam. Thanks, Reginald. I'm glad to be here. I'm glad to have you on. Now, I have people from all over the world and different countries that listen to this show. So far, anyone that doesn't know what autism or autism spectrum disorder is, it's a developmental disorder with symptoms that appear within the first three years of life, and it appears in different forms and levels of severity. Each individual with autism experience their own unique strengths, symptoms, and challenges. One in 36 children in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder in 2024. So Sam, tell us a little bit about Sam Mitchell.

Well, Sam Mitchell was diagnosed with autism at four, and he runs a podcast called Autism Rocks and Rolls. It's a podcast about autism and how we cope with daily struggles that you may or may not understand. Through the podcast, it's grown so much. I developed sponsors, a non-profit with a board of eight people, events, and any answers where I'm from. We're having our gala next Sunday. And speaking of games, I've spoken in Oklahoma, Orlando three times, Hannah twice, Stewart, Florida, and Washington, D.C.

Wow. Wow, man. This thing has gotten you very busy. You've been a busy man.

Trying to keep myself that way.

Yeah. Yeah. But that's a good thing, man, because everything you're doing, you're being positive with it and having, you know, positive things going on in your life to impact other people's lives. That's really amazing.

How did you get started? I always enjoy myself doing it.

Right. Right. So Sam, how did you get started in podcast?

It started, I joined my high school's media club and that's where I learned about it. I fell in love with it ever since. And that's when it just clicked and I had to know that's what I wanted to do. That's when I also began my own podcast, which was Autism Rocks Girls. I was born in October 2019 while I was a junior in high school.

Wow. Junior high school, man, that's young, but you had a dream, though, at the end of the day you work for and that's all that matters at the end of the day. Can you share with us some inspirations behind starting the Autism Ross and Rose podcast and the mission of your podcast?

Well, some inspirations were that I got to start, I got to share some stories that you had to be there to understand or people wouldn't understand it because it just didn't make sense. And, but I guess I can learn through my podcast. I'm a very good explainer. So I've explained situations that you had to be there and you can actually picture in your mind. Or if you can't picture it, people have always asked me about it.

Exactly. So how does it feel? Because it has to feel rewarding. But how does it feel to be a voice for those with autism spectrum disorder?

Well, for me, at least it feels relief. It feels relief. I can tell these stories. I did a whole. Storytelling on one of my episodes about bullying, I basically explain some of my stories about when I went through bullying. And I didn't get to tell anyone those stories because. you had to be there. Or, if I told you, you'd be like, uh, what? It would be a confusing tale.

Right. So, you were bullied. Can you tell me a little bit about that?

Um, well, let's see. Um, once upon a time, I got jabbed in the back with pencils for no apparent reason. I wasn't doing anything to make the students mad. All I was literally doing was sitting there in the convocation gym trying to listen to the speaker. And I guess people decided to be mean because I guess they wanted to jam in the back with pencils. And I couldn't move at all because the teacher told us you cannot move. And I get the reason why they want us to pay attention to the assembly, the speaker. You're not chatting with your friends. Totally get it. How am I supposed to pay attention if you're getting literal needles pinned on you every five seconds?

Man, that's awful. That is very awful. So that was one of your challenges, I guess, going through school is that people was bullying you and things like that, but just being just being stupid, I'll call it at the end of the day. Yeah.

Well, luckily, I had to leave early because I had a doctor's appointment. But what I learned afterwards, my mother was a. English teacher and I don't know how she got there somehow Somehow she I go in the gym and apparently sat right between the two boys and when the assembly was over She basically ripped them a new one right right So Sam, how did your podcast help change your perceptions and promote acceptance for yourself? Well, I mean it showed that I can actually do something a B. It shows that despite all these laws and these little quirks I have. People might still actually like me. I mean, when I found podcasting. I was also going through some personal. Growth, because at the end of the day, the podcasting and my decision was at the end of the day, I'm not going to care what others think of me, because if I do, I'm not going to make it. I was a people pleaser for 15 years. Completely failed. So I had to do stuff for myself, and I still do sometimes. Now, do I still take suggestions or advice? It's hard to do, but it makes sense. I will take it. But if it still doesn't, I'm saying thanks for your help. You may leave now. I'm doing it my own way.

And your own way is the best way I'll tell anybody. You know, everybody has some type of gift inside of them and some direction that they've gotten. And the only way you're going to be able to do it is that you got to do it your way. Like you say, it's okay for people to give you some advice. If it makes sense, go with it. But when you are a people pleaser, like you said, it will basically hold you back because everybody doesn't have good intentions for you.

Now, now you're correct on that. I've learned that the hard way. I was manipulated more than I was kept. 15 years of manipulation, and I would say six or seven years of being kept. So I'm still healing from that. That's why I still have major and severe, even trust issues.

Right, right, exactly. And that's understandable. Your podcast, Autism Rocks and Rolls, motivated you to focus specifically on autism and related topics.

Well, the fact I was diagnosed with autism, A. But B, at the time, it was growing. You say you're selling 20, 24, it's 1 in 36. I bet here in three years, it's going to be 1 in 26. Then it'll be, oh my gosh, a lot of people now are on the spectrum. Now it's prevalent. That's the thing that's going around now is we're aware of it, but we're not accepting of it. Now, I'll give props when it's due. We used to be institutionalized for being on the autism spectrum. Now you see us walking on the street. That is a good step. But there's still ridiculeness. When I'm searching for a job, I have to check the box autism. And I don't mind checking the box, but I just had to be scared that the boss would think, oh, he has autism. I'm throwing his resume out the door.

Wow. I didn't know that they actually have a Boston check at some places that you should apply for a job that you have autism or not.

Yeah, like if it says list disabilities or. If you have any disabilities, please check the box that apply sounds like MS. One is autism. I know for certain one is. Let me see what else ADHD, one is OCD. I think Tourette's is on there, too.

Well, I'll learn something, I'll learn something today. So how do you ensure that the voices and experiences of an individual with autism are authentically represented in your podcast?

Well, I make sure because they're my stories and someone from autism, a doctor can tell you the facts, but they can't tell you why I do this. What goes in my mind on why I am doing this behavior? And there are people on Spectrum who listen to the podcast, my podcast and say, yep, I've been there, buddy, or he actually gets it. This is why I do it. I've been having a hard time explaining why. But here's why I do this, mom.

Yeah, you're definitely touching lives with your podcast and awareness that you bring into it. It's very amazing. I'm very impressed. So let's talk about guests on your podcast. What was one of your, who was one of your favorite guests on your podcast?

Well, let me have a lot of things, but personal was Mick Foley, my favorite wrestler since I was a young boy. So what an honor to do him. I've always had the privilege of having Brad locally. He saved me pretty much of that rough 15 year of my life when I was 15. School sucked. School sucked. But when I came home, I watched World's Dumbest and he was the funniest one on there. So I actually sent him a message to do an interview with me because of just his acceptance as a human being. And he did. So a little full circle moment there. But from a professional standpoint, I enjoyed my interview with Temple Grandin just because of her knowledge and the way she explained autism and her perception of what she's done for the cattle industry and what she's had to do for herself.

Yeah, I saw where you interviewed Mick Foley. I'm a big fan of Mick Foley. Since he was on Wrestleman, I just enjoy watching Mick Foley.

Yeah, very humble, man. I'll tell you that was through personal experience. I had nothing to say about positive things to make. I know when you meet celebrities, it might be different from each person, but with him, from my personal standpoint, thumbs up.

That's awesome. That's awesome. What has been the most rewarding aspect of hosting the Autism Rocks and Rolls podcast so far?

The most rewarding aspect of this podcast to me is I would say just the people I get to meet. I mean, I wouldn't guess I had people that I saw on television coming out of my computer screen. Cain, I watched as a kid. Was I scared of it? Ran to the bathroom? Yes. I'll admit that. But I see him on television. Yes. Did I ever think in a million years Cain would come onto my computer screen? No. Did I ever think that when I watch America's Got Talent, oh, I get this person on my computer screen? No. Hell, hell, you'd have asked me, Sam, in five years, you're going to get one of these AGT contestants on your show. Good luck with that. I highly doubt that. And I say because AGT is also one of my favorite shows.

That's awesome, man. That is awesome. You're shaking and moving, but I really feel like it's going the way it's going because it's your purpose in life. And you're destined for something like this. And you are a voice that's been sent for people with autism.

Well, it's also that I don't like to sit around and do nothing. I'm always the type of person who likes to try. I'm always the person who is a doer, not a dreamer. Dreamers might say, oh, I wish I could get Luke Bryan to attend my show. I wish I could ask, hey, Luke Bryan, could you perform for me at my party? They'll say, oh, but he's too busy and probably won't happen. And that's not me. I'll be the one to actually ask Brian, is he probably going to say no? Yeah. But can I say I tried and that means more to me? Yes. I'm the type of person who'd rather try than not know, because you really don't know. Is it a high likely no? Yes, but is it an indefinite no? No, because you didn't ask. I asked Kane and I didn't think he would come on with his duties as mayor, yet he took time for me.

Yeah. The saying says we have not because we asked not right. So Sam, how do you measure the impact of your podcast on the autism community and beyond?

Well, I measure the impact if someone listens. I mean, I received mail from thank you for what you do. I received testimonials from my last speaking engagement of I was really impressed with what you did. Your comparisons were great on your presentation. And then I learned that the host said the audience was impressed from my presentation last night. Last night's presentation I did was about a video game called Red Dead Redemption. And I compare the characters to the autism spectrum.

Man, it's awesome because here's the thing that I really, really enjoy about my podcast. You know, get feedback from people saying, hey, how much you changed their life or how much they've learned from you or how much you can help them. That really keeps me going at the end of the day. And I'm pretty sure that's what keeps you going, too.

Yes, sir. That's what definitely keeps me going. But it's also personal fulfillment. I think it's a win-win for me.

Oh, yeah, exactly. Exactly. It's definitely a personal fulfillment, like you said. So Sam, what are your plans for the future of the autism Ross and roll podcast?

Well, we're hoping it can be a full-time job. I don't know if it will be always going to be a side gig, but who knows? I mean, I'm taking this one day at a time because. It could take me to anywhere. I mean, if I expect a lot, it couldn't happen. So I'm always very laid back with this podcast. I just have a certain schedule that I follow because I'm doing it. But what I do with the episodes and what you guys do with it after it comes out up to you. I mean, did I think I was going to get ever invited to speak? No, but that was up to them. Did I ever think we were going to have a gala? No, but that was up to my board. So, yes, I am the executive director, but I have people help me A and B. I take an advice and sometimes go with things.

Yeah. And I definitely feel like it's going to be full time for you, man, because you're, you're rolling in and opportunities is presenting itself for you. And then one thing about you, you don't quit, man, you pursue, you go after it. So you do, you got that kind of mindset that really gets you a lot further.

Yeah. And I've gotten to meet a lot of just great people in general. I mean, they weren't on my show. It's a privilege to meet them. I met Jimmy Hart. I met the boogie man from wrestling. Yes, yes, and I find that hilarious some days. I've had the honor of just being around amazing people as well. I mean, I've had the privilege of co-hosting a panel, which I never thought would have happened, making two PSA videos, hosting a Q&A anxiety session, winning a Davey Award for episodes, winning awards in general. I mean, it's all great things and a lot of great support. And I met a lot of friends through this podcasting community. That's something else good with this community. It's not like, as I call it, certain competition. Some industries, it's competitive with podcasting. It's not really. But you're a local guy like me, you have a local guy up in Washington, the state. Instead of trying, let's get more downloads. Let's try to battle to it. No, it's what you can do, man, to get to where I was or this is what I would do, buddy. Let's help each other out. That's also I like this community. It's a helping world, not a. Flashing world.

Exactly. Yeah, it's all about and that's what people get it wrong, but it's all about networking and coming together and helping one another at the end of the day.

Yeah, that's why I like to collaborate too. We're doing something good for each other. This interview is good for both of us. I'm promoting my stuff. You're also going to have an episode out involving me. So it works out great.

Exactly. It works out perfect. Man, so Sam you got any upcoming projects episodes you particularly excited about Well season two's gonna start back up in the summer.

I have my gala. We'll be having a silent auction food a wine wall there'll be a blast and Then maybe in Bloomington highly likely. We'll be having a summer concert at the Bluebird But that is a question mark. I'm not for sure about that. Just saying I Okay, and then you have some online speaking is coming up in May I once called the breakthrough summit and then the other is a lasting legacy in conference But that conference is a question mark Okay, well you got some things in motion.

I'll tell you that So Sam I saw this quote on your show. It says people on the spectrum are not broken and do not need to be fixed. Those who have these conditions should not be pity. There is nothing to be sorry about.

Can you please explain that? I'm sorry. I said, you said, that's my mission statement, buddy. Oh, okay. Okay. I'm sorry about that. No, you're good. I'm just, I'm just saying, Hey, good job reading the mission statement because sometimes I'll stammer it.

So can you explain that to me, the mission statement?

Yeah. Well, I'm trying to explain that there are some people in this world that you would look at, like myself, when you talk to me or you look at certain people, you think they're broken. No, that's not true. Have you chatted with them yet? First of all, A, B, they're just different. That doesn't mean they're dangerous.

Oh, I got it. And that says a lot too. I really liked that mission statement. You started a non-profit in 2021 called Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation.

Can you tell us who started that?

Yeah, that was 2020.

It was when COVID hit. So it was definitely harder to start that, but we definitely got it rolling.

And what was its mission and advocacy?

The mission advocacy is through events and the speaking engagements. That's what we mainly do. But also, I would say that some of my collaborative work is through the non-profit. Some of the check presentations I've done is through the non-profit. The anxiety session I did, I would say it's through the nonprofit, but also collaborative work. But in my mind, that's a nonprofit thing, not a podcast thing.

Got you.

And with regard to your motivation speaking, you just spoke at an international autism summit a few days ago, and you have- Yesterday, I watched some friends of mine doing theirs on Friday, and then Saturday I did speak on the topic Red Dead Redemption, but it was great. I wish I could show you the recording but I think sometimes it gets a little lost in translation and I did it because I just know the owner slash host real well It was at 720 and some of the characters were just comparing up jauntism But like I said the audience apparently loved it and As far as I knew, I think they're being genuine and there was no lying about it.

That's great. That's great. So Sam, what advice would you give to someone who wants to start a podcast focused on raising awareness and understanding autism?

Well, I think starting a podcast in general is the first idea. I mean, sometimes it's very hard to do because I know, but picking a great topic, I think autism from my personal perspective was a great topic. Now, what am I? Fred's up a floor and had a client who want to start a podcast, but he didn't know how or what to begin with. He suggested politics. I thought, oh, that's a good one. There's a lot of political podcast out there. So I think picking a topic that you can go on and on and on about, make sure you can keep writing the chapter in a book. Don't ever close it completely. Right now, I'm on a hiatus. So I did close chapter two. But here in next summer, I'm going to start another chapter.

That's, and I like when you said that, you know, basically start something. If you want to start a podcast, you basically got to start on something you're passionate about. I think it'd be more dangerous that way if you take it from the heart and not try to be like everybody else and what's hot and what's new at the time and things like that. If you be your own authentic self, I think it'll take you to the next level when you're trying to do something like a podcast. So Sam, lastly, what advice can you give to parents who have children that have autism? And to children growing up with autism.

I would say for parents, you got to hang in there and don't ever give up on your child. That's the worst you can do. If you do, they're not going to make it. I mean, we're all in this together. I mean, we have to be in it together. I mean, you have to step up. You have to step up. There's no other easy way to say it. You have to literally. pull up your pants and go for it, because if you don't. It's going to contribute to their success, probably part of the reason why I am successful is because I had a loving and great family.

And I believe that I really believe that that's the root of it right there. And what can you say with it with somebody like a child who's growing up with autism now for the other person?

I mean, it's hang in there. You're probably not going to be understood all the time. That is, I'm not understood. Even with my friends that I have, they still don't get me 100 percent. But you know what? They at least appreciate me enough that I'm in their presence. And for me, that's enough. And finding your tribe is exhausting, but you will do it. I just found mine a little bit a while ago. At podcasting, when I was 16, and it's a new feeling I'm getting used to. But before I had literally one friend. Now I have a business friend. I have personal friends. I still have my school friends that I keep. So do I feel comfortable now that I have a tribe and some people might go to my funeral and I say might because I have trust issues? Yes. But did I believe that when I was 13? No way, Jose.

There you have it. There you have it. Sam Mitchell. Sam, I'm so excited that you stopped by joining me for a minute. So how can people listen to your podcast or donate to your nonprofit and follow your journey? 

A donation, we have Venmo and PayPal, and that's probably on the website, AutismRocksRolls.com. As far as podcasts, you can find me on your favorite media platform. I'm not a hard guy to find. If you Google me, something will pop up. 

All right. There you have it, Sam. I really appreciate it. And thank you so much for coming on to the show. 

Well, not a problem, buddy. Had a great time. And my listeners, I'm always talking to anyone you want to collaborate or want to chat and drop in and say, Hey, I'm opening to do that too. 

Okay, Sam. I appreciate that. Thanks for tuning in to Real Talk with Reginald D. If you enjoyed the show, please share with anyone you feel the need to take this journey with us on being a better you. See you next time.