Once nonverbal, Lina Hjalmarsson now communicates through a letter board and her own writing—sharing profound insights into love, autism, and the human spirit. In this extraordinary episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with long-time friend Helena Hjalmarsson and her daughter Lina to explore the paradox of autism, poetry born from struggle, and what it means to align with our planet and each other. Their conversation moves from the excruciating journey of learning to spell, to navigating health challenges, to Lina’s vision of compassion as the cornerstone of society.

✨ “In learning how to spell, I set high on a cloud.” – Lina Hjalmarsson

✨ “I see autism as the most profound inspiration that has ever existed. It is also the most profound challenge.” – Lina Hjalmarsson

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Lina moved from nonverbal to verbal communication through a letter board ([00:05:00 ])
• Why autism can be both profound inspiration and profound challenge ([00:29:30 ])
• Insights from Lina’s original poetry on love, suffering, and joy ([00:20:00 ])
• How Helena and Lina navigate mycoplasma, OCD, and anxiety ([00:46:00 ])
• Why expressing raw emotions can bring healing and resilience ([00:40:00 ])
• What autistic voices can teach neurotypical people about universal love ([00:35:00 ])
• Lina’s vision for compassionate leadership in her presidential essay ([00:58:00 ])

🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• Rupert introduces the episode and its unprecedented nature ([00:00:00 ])
• Lina shares her purpose: to spread love on this planet ([00:13:00 ])
• Helena reads Lina’s poem A Love Meaning to Burst ([00:20:00 ])
• Lina’s untitled poem about holding herself out of a hole ([00:22:00 ])
• Lina’s poems Incisions and Soaring on suffering and transformation ([00:27:00 ])
• Helena discusses mycoplasma, Lyme, and OCD in autism ([00:46:00 ])
• Lina’s presidential essay: why compassion should guide America ([00:58:00 ])
• Closing reflections – the need for autistic mentorship ([01:00:00 ])

📚 Projects, Writings, and Ideas Mentioned:

• Lina Hjalmarsson – Poet, student, and autism advocate
• Helena Hjalmarsson – Autism parent and advocate
• Dr. Temple Grandin – Autism pioneer and mentor
• Mary Coyle – Homeotoxicologist
• Dr. Engles – Naturopath specializing in autism and Lyme disease

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• Website: https://rupertisaacson.com

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📚 Books & Resources:

• Rupert Isaacson – The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, The Healing Land: https://longridehome.com/books

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