Show Notes
Comedian, presenter and creator Holly Morris joins Ben for a candid conversation about living with AuDHD, the hidden cost of masking, and why being “funny” is often a survival strategy rather than a personality trait.
Holly shares how her comedy career grew out of lifelong hyper-vigilance - constantly scanning rooms, people and conversations and how that same awareness fuels both her humour and her exhaustion. She opens up about navigating networking, friendships and online spaces as a neurodivergent adult, and why masking can feel automatic, ingrained, and hard to switch off.
They explore Holly’s later diagnoses of ADHD and autism, imposter syndrome, her experience of Emetophobia, and how her Autism and ADHD overlap and show up in daily life.
If you’ve ever felt socially switched on but internally depleted, this episode will feel quietly familiar.
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Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller
00:00 Introduction & AD 1:48 Holly Morris’ AuDHD Comedy Journey 5:04 Masking as an AuDHD Comedian & Networking Pressure 8:36 How Masking Shapes Holly’s Online Content 13:14 Discovering AuDHD & Living With Emetophobia 17:25 Hypervigilance, Anxiety & the AuDHD Nervous System 21:50 ADHD vs Autism: How AuDHD Shows Up Day to Day 27:30 Being Open About Neurodivergence: Online vs In-Person 30:39 Adult Friendships, Social Energy & Neurodivergence 44:40 Masking vs Unmasking: What Actually Helps 46:48 The Hidden Cost of Being a Neurodivergent Creator 50:09 AuDHD, Imposter Syndrome & Self-Doubt 51:30 Thinking Differently: Strengths, Creativity & Hope 1:02:00 What’s Next for Holly Morris 1:10:30 Holly’s Green Dot Badge The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.
Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.
1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.
To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.
With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.
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Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben Holly Morris @hollymorrisss
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