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Unscripted Movements: Where Art Meets Advocacy
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Exploring the intersection of creativity, community, and neurodiversity through the eyes of a multi-hyphenate artist. 

SHOW NOTES:
May 29, 2025 – Episode # 186
Unscripted Movements: Where Art Meets Advocacy 

Step into the vibrant world of Gardiner Comfort — a bold, brilliant, and boundary-breaking artist based in New York City — as he joins Raise Nation Radio host Dawn Lego for an unforgettable conversation. Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age 7, Gardiner transformed what many see as a limitation into a limitless source of creativity, compassion, and connection. From the bright lights of the stage to the quiet power of classroom advocacy, Gardiner’s journey is anything but ordinary.

In this inspiring episode, Gardiner shares how his one-man show The Elephant in Every Room I Enter opens minds and hearts to the lived experience of Tourette’s. Through theater, dance, puppetry, and powerful storytelling, he not only raises awareness but redefines what it means to be an artist and an advocate. Tune in for a masterclass in empathy, artistry, and the audacity to be unapologetically yourself.

Guest Reflection: 

“My tics don’t define me — but they inform me. Tourette’s taught me to listen differently, move differently, and most of all, to create differently.“ — Gardiner Comfort

Episode Highlights: 

  • How Tourette syndrome shaped Gardiner’s creativity and led him to the stage 
  • Behind the scenes of his solo show and its impact on audiences nationwide 
  • Why dance and puppetry are vital parts of his artistic expression 
  • What it’s like to navigate life as an artist in Manhattan’s competitive arts scene 
  • The role of education, awareness, and humor in advocacy for neurodiverse communities 
  • Encouraging students and young people to try new things and celebrate their differences 

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