In this episode of Talk to Me Sis, we sit down with Jennifer Cook author, autism advocate, and the relationship expert from Netflix's hit show Love on the Spectrum. But this time, Jennifer isn't guiding someone else. She's sharing her own story.

00:00:00 Coming up...
00:00:34 Meet Jennifer Cook from Love on the Spectrum
00:16:31 Masking Autism and Learning Social Rules
00:17:18 Using Movies and Books to Learn Social Skills
00:21:16 Why Autism in Girls Often Goes Undiagnosed
00:28:12 Autism, Relationships & Recognizing Abuse
00:31:05 Being Diagnosed with Autism at Age 35
00:31:58 The Social Rules Book That Changed Lives
00:36:12 Raising Neurodivergent Children as an Autistic Parent
00:41:10 Occupational Therapy and Sensory Challenges
00:45:41 How Jennifer Joined Love on the Spectrum
00:48:25 The Impact of Love on the Spectrum
00:50:30 Behind the Scenes Stories from the Show
00:53:55 Tanner, Connor & Finding Confidence

Whether you're on the spectrum, love someone who is, or simply want an honest conversation about identity, resilience, and self-worth this episode is for you.

It's Mental Health Awareness Month and nothing is off limits. Two autism moms get real about dysregulation, self-care, postpartum, and finding your way through the hard days.

Hosts:
Lise Smith
Nicci Smith

What do you wish someone had told you before you became a mom? In this episode, Nicci and Lise pull back the curtain on the real, unfiltered truth about motherhood. From identity and independence before kids, to grace in long-term partnerships, to the lifeline of good mom friends, this episode is the conversation you didn't know you needed.

And they close on an incredible high note: Rio's Law is now officially on the books in Georgia, a huge win for the autism and neurodiverse community.

00:00 Coming up...
01:01 Welcome & What's Been Going On This Week
05:05 Are You a Napper or Not? The Great Debate
11:01 Did You Always Want to Be a Mom?
13:36 Build Your Identity BEFORE You Become a Mother
18:57 Give Yourself Grace. It's Your First Time Doing Life Too
21:34 The Pressure of Being a "Perfect" New Mom
22:28 Sleep When the Baby Sleeps (Do As We Say, Not As We Did)
23:29 Stop Putting Pressure on Yourself Postpartum
25:44 How the Mom You Are Changes With Each Child
32:19 Single Mom Survival: Accepting Help & Setting a Routine
46:47 The Seasons of Marriage Nobody Warns You About
53:38 The Power of Your Mom Friend Circle
01:01:44 Rio's Law Deep Dive: What It Means & Why It Matters
01:06:30 Tanner Meets Christopher McDonald from The Iron Giant 😂
01:07:57 What's Coming Up Next & Exciting Guests Ahead

In this episode, Lise and Nicci pull back the curtain on who they were long before Netflix's Love on the Spectrum. Lise opens up about rebuilding her life as a single mom to four kids with very little money and no roadmap. Nicci shares her journey from a shy, insecure young woman to a confident autism advocate, nurse, stay-at-home mom, and fitness lover. And how her husband Mark helped shape who she is today.

If you're a special needs parent, an autism mom, a fan of Love on the Spectrum, or someone navigating a busy family, this episode will make you feel seen.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome & intro
01:07 Plot twist: Lise meets a Cobra Kai legend
05:15 Plot twist: Tanner's awesome moment
08:27 The mystery window bird (what does it mean?!)
09:33 Who was Lise before the cameras?
17:10 Who was Nicci before the cameras?
29:52 Debunking the "autism means unsociable & unempathetic" myth
33:43 What if Love on the Spectrum never happened?
38:25 What we're building...
42:15 Business spotlight: Brightside Cafe, Buford, Georgia
44:19 Love you mean it!

SPOILERS AHEAD: In Season 4 of Love on the Spectrum, Connor and Georgie had a shocking breakup. Connor's mom, Lise, and Tanner's mom, Nicci, are sharing their reactions.

00:26 – First Impressions of Season 4 Cast
02:04 – Who Stole Season 4?
04:31 – Dylan & Emma
07:32 – James & Shelley
09:10 – Tyler & Madison Proposal Reaction
11:01 – Connor & Georgie Breakdown - What Really Happened
13:20 – Addressing Online Criticism & Hate
26:59 – Fan Reactions & Viral Moments
29:38 – Connor’s Advocacy & Real-World Impact
32:12 – Clemson Scholarship Announcement
36:09 – What’s Next

🎙️ Subscribe to Talk to Me Sis with Lise & Nicci Smith for new episodes coming soon.

SPOILERS AHEAD: Season 4 of Love on the Spectrum just dropped on Netflix and we are breaking down everything you need to know. Connor and Georgie's London trip, the things that cameras never filmed, and what Connor is really looking for in a relationship. What's next for Tanner? Plus Connor's historic autism advocacy win as Rose's Law passes in the Georgia State House. And Lise and Nicci share their shocking plot twist of the week.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Coming up
00:02:03 How Tanner Really Handles Stress & Dysregulation
00:05:34 How Rose's Law Started With a Podcast Guest
00:07:56 Connor's Run In With Law Enforcement & Why This Bill Matters
00:09:12 The Historic Vote & Connor's Standing Ovation
00:14:43 Why Tanner Stepped Away From Love on the Spectrum Season 4
00:16:31 Connor Takes Georgie to London
00:19:41 The Things That Cameras Didn't Film
00:24:11 Addressing Fan Speculation About Tanner & the Show
00:32:50 Plot Twist of the Week
00:41:01 Nicci's Choking Scare at the Fashion Show
00:47:30 What's Next for Tanner & the Podcast

We're BACK! Nicci Smith and Lise Smith, moms of Tanner and Connor from Netflix's Love on the Spectrum Seasons 2 & 3 are answering ALL your burning questions about Season 4!

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Love on the Spectrum Season 4: What to Expect
00:01:23 - Answering Your Burning Season 4 Questions
00:02:11 - Is Love on the Spectrum Real & Unscripted?
00:03:09 - Behind the Scenes: What Filming Is Really Like
00:06:21 - How Tanner Got Cast on Love on the Spectrum
00:10:44 - How Connor Got Cast on Love on the Spectrum
00:13:08 - The Tweet That Changed Everything (Connor's Story)
00:18:00 - Are Love on the Spectrum Cast Members Paid?
00:19:58 - Who Is NOT Returning for Season 4
00:25:36 - Will There Be Drama in Season 4?
00:27:19 - How the Show Changed Tanner & Connor's Lives
00:28:49 - Wrap Up & What's Coming Next on Talk to Me Since

Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovered the show, this episode is packed with insider knowledge you won't find anywhere else.