Name: Jacinta Dietrich
Pronouns: She/Her
Neurodivergence: Autism. ADHD.
Professional Role: Podcaster. Writer. Editor.
Bio: Jacinta is a neurodivergent and bisexual author and editor based in Melbourne. She is autistic and an ADHDer, receiving her diagnosis at 28. She was also diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome a year later. She is the last member of her direct family to be diagnosed with CFS. She also has a family history of suicidality, chronic depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since receiving her AuDHD diagnoses, Jacinta has launched Differently Brained, a podcast that aims to break down stigmas and misconceptions around neurodivergence and mental health. The podcast is an Own Voices venture with two neurodiverse hosts that interview a neurodiverse guest or guest with mental health challenges each fortnight. Jacinta has also written about being neurodivergent for Women Love Tech and Grattan Street Press.
When she's not podcasting she is writing. Jacinta's first book, This Is Us Now, was published by Grattan Street Press in 2021. She has also been published in Black Inc.’s Growing Up in Country Australia (2022) anthology edited by Rick Morton and Grattan Street Press’ Intermissions (2022) anthology, curated by Katherine Day. She has written smaller pieces for online publication including on the Grattan Street Press blog and as a guest on Lee Kofman's blog. She has also appeared on "James and Ashley Stay at Home" regularly to discuss her own books and writing, as well as on bonus episodes for other books. Finally, she also coordinates a book review platform "The Very Hungry Thesaurus". TVHT has been a passion project of hers for four years now. She loves discussing books, engaging with authors and the wider book community and finding new niches. Long-term she would love to make TVHT into a podcast as well.
When she's not podcasting she is writing. Jacinta's first book, This Is Us Now, was published by Grattan Street Press in 2021. She has also been published in Black Inc.’s Growing Up in Country Australia (2022) anthology edited by Rick Morton and Grattan Street Press’ Intermissions (2022) anthology, curated by Katherine Day. She has written smaller pieces for online publication including on the Grattan Street Press blog and as a guest on Lee Kofman's blog. She has also appeared on "James and Ashley Stay at Home" regularly to discuss her own books and writing, as well as on bonus episodes for other books. Finally, she also coordinates a book review platform "The Very Hungry Thesaurus". TVHT has been a passion project of hers for four years now. She loves discussing books, engaging with authors and the wider book community and finding new niches. Long-term she would love to make TVHT into a podcast as well.
Recent Publications: Differently Brained Podcast; Women Love Tech.
Website: www.jacintadietrich.com
Instagram: @jacintadietrich
Facebook: Jacinta Dietrich
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Available for Virtual Sessions: YES.
Available for In-Person Sessions: YES. Jacinta is happy to travel to any destination, but travel and accommodation will be at the expense of the organiser.
Specific Support Required: Transport from home to the destination or to the airport and will need the same in returning home. A clear outline of event and audience details, timings and expectations must be provided by the organiser as early as possible.
Speaking Topics Include: Autism; ADHD; Podcasting; Creative writing; Editing; Sensitivity reading; Mental health; Late diagnosis; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Illness impacting mental health; Handling finances as a neurodivergent person; Autistic and ADHD representation in books and media; Supporting neurodivergent adults in the workplace; Event accessibility.
Suitable Audiences Include: Most suited to primary and secondary schooling, as well as workplaces and organisations that want to improve their accessibility and support of neurodivergent staff.
Speaker Experience: I host the podcast, Differently Brained, a fortnightly interview podcast. I have also been a regular guest at University of Melbourne to speak with Grattan Street Press students and give guest lectures. I take part in Q&A events for them about twice a year.
Book This Speaker: Via the website jacintadietrich.com; Via email at [email protected]. Via DMs on instagram @jacintadietrich
Testimonials:
"I really enjoyed this honest and vulnerable chat with Jacinta who is doing a spectacular job championing different but extraordinary brains." - Dani Vee
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"I love being interviewed by Lachlan and Jacinta because it allowed me to use my voice and speak the truth about my lived experiences in a space that was safe, fun, and creative. I could be myself and no one else and to be honest with Lachlan and Jacinta was what I wanted, and I was honoured to be a guest star on Differently Brained. Hopefully, I'll be interviewed again in the future. It was a blast!" - Suzanna Poredos
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"Being interviewed by Jacinta and Lachlan was like speaking with old friends. Their care, respect and understanding when talking about challenging topics shines through, as does the wonderful sense of humour they manage to balance the conversation with. Throughout the interview I felt like I was in such good hands, which allowed me to express all my thoughts on a subject that's really personal and very important to me. What a special experience!" - Miranda Luby
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"I had such a positive experience being interviewed by Jacinta and Lachlan for Differently Brained. Their approach was well-researched, comfortable, and accommodating. They give so much to their guests and audience through their warm and open style, and their ability to be vulnerable around the harder moments of life. Also lots of lols. Thanks for having me! It is not always easy doing interviews as an autistic author, but this was a wholly wonderful time, and an example of how things should be done across the board." - Kay Kerr
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"I love being interviewed by Lachlan and Jacinta because it allowed me to use my voice and speak the truth about my lived experiences in a space that was safe, fun, and creative. I could be myself and no one else and to be honest with Lachlan and Jacinta was what I wanted, and I was honoured to be a guest star on Differently Brained. Hopefully, I'll be interviewed again in the future. It was a blast!" - Suzanna Poredos
***
"Being interviewed by Jacinta and Lachlan was like speaking with old friends. Their care, respect and understanding when talking about challenging topics shines through, as does the wonderful sense of humour they manage to balance the conversation with. Throughout the interview I felt like I was in such good hands, which allowed me to express all my thoughts on a subject that's really personal and very important to me. What a special experience!" - Miranda Luby
***
"I had such a positive experience being interviewed by Jacinta and Lachlan for Differently Brained. Their approach was well-researched, comfortable, and accommodating. They give so much to their guests and audience through their warm and open style, and their ability to be vulnerable around the harder moments of life. Also lots of lols. Thanks for having me! It is not always easy doing interviews as an autistic author, but this was a wholly wonderful time, and an example of how things should be done across the board." - Kay Kerr
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