Episode 344 - David Siegel & David Wolgemuth - Exceptional Minds

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The big wide world can be a scary place for neurodiverse people — but Exceptional Minds can help them find their place. Founded in 2011, this remarkable non-profit training academy trains individuals on the autism spectrum to become visual effects and animation professionals. It also runs its own studio, which has put graduates to work on</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Black Widow</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Loki</span></em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, and a whole animated segment for</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sesame Street</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this podcast, Exceptional Minds’ Executive Director David Siegel explains how his six-year-old son inspired him to join the academy. He also describes how he works with studios and software companies to give students the knowledge they need for a career. Joining him is VFX Studio Supervisor David Wolgemuth, who discusses finding common ground with students and helping them make the most of their skillsets.</span></p>