The Write Brain

This week we have our friend Sydnee Washington on the pod, and this episode is everything we hoped it would be: hilarious, honest, chaotic, vulnerable, and completely unforgettable.
Sydnee is currently on tour with her show My Black Barbie Story, and while she was in Nashville, we got to sit down and talk about everything from childhood and comedy to anxiety, stage fright, people pleasing, and learning how to finally be yourself.
In this episode, we talk about:
Sydnee’s childhood and what she was like as a kid
Growing up with older caregivers and feeling different
Learning struggles, embarrassment, and being hyper-aware
How comedy became an outlet
Anxiety, stage fright, and self-doubt
People pleasing and anxious attachment
Why the funniest people are often the most sensitive
Her one-of-a-kind storytelling style
The truth behind My Black Barbie Story
Sydnee is one of the funniest people we know, but what makes this conversation so special is how open she is. She shares her story in a way that is both deeply real and unbelievably funny — and we know so many of you are going to relate to her honesty.
If you love comedy, storytelling, and conversations about how creative minds actually work, this episode is for you.
Make sure you check out Sydnee Washington on tour and follow along with My Black Barbie Story.
 #SydneeWashington #ComedyPodcast #StandUpComedy #Anxiety #Storytelling #MentalHealth #CreativeBrains

Welcome back to The Write Brain podcast.
With Autism Awareness Month approaching in April — and World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd — we wanted to create an episode that gives a clear, big-picture understanding of autism and neurodivergence.
There is so much confusion around autism today.
This episode is about simplifying it.
Dr. Robert Melillo shares decades of clinical experience and neuroscience research to explain:
• What autism actually is (from a brain-based perspective)
• The role of the right brain vs left brain
• Why autism exists on a spectrum
• What “neurodivergence” really means
• Why autism may be increasing
• Common misconceptions about diagnosis and development
• How understanding the brain can change outcomes
Instead of focusing on labels, this conversation focuses on function, development, and possibility.
Whether you’re a parent, someone on the spectrum, or just trying to understand the topic better — this episode is meant to bring clarity to something that is often misunderstood.
📍 Live Lecture – New York City (March 31st)
Dr. Melillo will be hosting a live lecture focused on autism, brain development, and treatment approaches.
Two sessions available:
• 11:00 AM
• 6:30/7:00 PM
For more details, visit: www.drrobertmelillo.com
We’ll be doing more episodes like this — diving deeper into autism, neurodivergence, and the brain.
If this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs it.
🎙 Hosted by Ellis Melillo & Dr. Robert Melillo

In this episode, we sit down with country artist Sadie Bass to talk about her new single “F You, I’m ADHD” — and the deeper reality behind what ADHD actually feels like.
This conversation goes way beyond the label.
We get into:
• The difference between ADD vs ADHD (and why it matters)
• Right brain vs left brain — and how it affects learning & creativity
• Why ADHD isn’t really an “attention deficit”
• Growing up with ADHD and navigating school
• The connection between creativity, empathy, and anxiety
• Stage fright, overthinking, and performing under pressure
• Depression, brain chemistry, and finding what works for you
• Misophonia (why certain sounds can trigger intense reactions)
• Why so many artists struggle with mental health
Sadie also shares her personal journey — from writing songs as a kid to building a career in music — and how being different actually became her biggest strength.
This episode is honest, funny, and incredibly relatable — especially if you’ve ever felt like your brain just works… differently.
If you’ve ever:
Overthought everything
Felt overwhelmed by your own mind
Struggled with focus, anxiety, or emotions
You’re not alone.
And you might just be wired for something special.
🎙 Hosted by Ellis Melillo & Dr. Robert Melillo
🎧 Listen to Sadie Bass’s new single: “F You, I’m ADHD”

In this episode we talk about a growing concern researchers are starting to notice around the world:
For the first time in recorded history, a generation may be declining on certain cognitive measures compared to their parents.
Cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath has pointed to a surprising factor — the widespread introduction of digital technology in schools and childhood development.
So what’s actually happening to our brains?
Dr. Robert Melillo and Ellis break down:
• Why Gen Z may be struggling with attention, memory, and learning
• The impact of screens and digital technology on brain development
• Why humans are wired to learn from other humans
• The connection between technology and the “dating recession”
• How social media may be affecting confidence and relationships
• The role of the right brain in imagination, creativity, and social connection
• Why kids need movement, play, and real-world interaction
We’re not here to criticize Gen Z — in fact, many young people are incredibly creative and innovative.
But this episode explores an important question:
What happens when technology replaces imagination, movement, and human interaction?
And more importantly:
How can we fix it?
Sometimes the answer might be simpler than we think:
Go outside. Talk to people. Get bored. Use your imagination.

In this episode of The Write Brain Podcast, we dive into one of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in autism:
What if non-speaking autistic individuals understand everything?
Dr. Robert Melillo shares 35 years of neuroscience research and clinical experience working with children and adults on the autism spectrum — including those who have never spoken a word.
We discuss:
• What is actually preventing some autistic individuals from speaking
• The role of the right brain and interoception
• Why many non-speaking individuals may be exceptionally gifted
• The controversy around spelling and letter boards
• What research says about motor control vs. language ability
• Why we must “assume competence”
• Powerful real stories from families
Many of the individuals discussed in this episode have demonstrated advanced reading levels, deep emotional intelligence, and profound insight — despite being previously labeled “low functioning.”
Could it be that we’ve misunderstood the autistic brain?
This episode is about awareness, compassion, neuroscience, and giving a voice to those who have one inside — but struggle to express it outwardly.
If you know someone with autism, especially a non-speaking individual, please share this episode.
April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day.
For more information about Dr. Melillo’s upcoming lecture in New York City, visit his Instagram: @DrRobertMelillo or drmillo.com
Assume competence.
Presume intelligence.
Lead with respect.