Episódios

  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)


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    In this episode, I reflect on the emotional aftermath of the recent elections in the United States. I acknowledge the real and healthy grief many of us are experiencing. I spoke off the cuff and without any notes or quotes or prepared thoughts, just my heart. I give the briefest glimpse into why this goes much deeper than whether "my team won". I also mention how it caused me to further reflect on the grief from deaths, divorce and more in the past year or so. I emphasize why and how we should process grief as a natural part of love and connection. Whether or not you listen to the episode, I urge you to seek community and not face this journey in isolation.


    Key Takeaways:

    Today has been tough for many, especially marginalized communities.The US political system is often inhumane and unjust.Grief is a natural response to love and loss.Processing grief is essential for mental health.Community support is crucial during difficult times.It's important to make peace with our attachments.Isolation can exacerbate feelings of grief and despair.Finding community can help in navigating grief and identity.

    Helpful Links:

    Support the podcast by buying "I Must Be BUG'N" merch!Community for Black Gifted Adults - Our Wild Minds - Use code "Sheldon"Dr. Mick - Licensed Therapist who shares knowledge while gamingUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)


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    Today we're welcoming back friend of the podcast, Dr. Kimberly Douglass. We're catching up with her and speaking more in-depth about what it means to, as she says, "Decolonize Neurodivergence" as well as why it's so important. Per usual, we just vibe and share our thoughts about how systems of oppression create unnecessary and harmful conditions we must work to free ourselves from, especially melanted and marginalized communities. Dr. Kimberly also discusses her program for women that helps them tackle this problem in their lives.


    Key Takeaways:

    How "Gifted and Talented" programs often fail students by creating a sense of exceptionalism while neglecting their human needs.Why we need to continue the pursuit of community-centered support rather than individualism.Recognizing and challenging oppressive systems is crucial in reshaping familial and societal dynamics.Futurism should focus on redefining relationships and include marginalized voices in shaping the future.Self-reflection and healing are crucial in the process of decolonization.

    Connect with Dr. Kimberly Douglass:

    Decolonizing Neurodivergence Program for [email protected]

    Helpful Links:

    Wait, Could I Be Gifted? The "Quiz"Community for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyND Connect - Online Neuro-inclusive CommunityNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the alb


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)


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    Join me for my first guest/collaboriation episode where I was interviewed by Arash Zaghi of the "Square Pegs" podcast. This is one of my favorite episdoes because Arash's vision is very much aligned with mine.


    I share my journey as a neurodivergent person, reflecting on childhood experiences, educational challenges, and the importance of advocacy. I discuss how my unique learning needs were often misunderstood, highlighting the critical role of supportive environments and the value of diverse thinking in STEM fields. We also discuss the intersectionality of being Black, gifted, and neurodivergent, addressing systemic biases and the importance of community and self-acceptance. Our discussion emphasizes the need for educational reform to better accommodate non-traditional learners and calls for a holistic approach to learning that recognizes and nurtures diverse cognitive abilities. 


    Square Pegs Podcast is a series of intimate conversations about navigating life and learning within the neurodiverse community, hosted by Dr. Arash Zaghi, Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering. In each episode, we talk to neurodiverse students and experts in the field of neurodiversity. 


    Episode Highlights:


    00:42 Meet Sheldon Gay: host of "I Must Be BUG'N" podcast 


    02:18 Sheldon's early school experiences 


    05:37 Discovering a passion for math and science 


    07:53 Divergent thinking and early academic challenges 


    11:10 The impact of real-world applications in education 


    15:42 Challenges in traditional education systems 


    27:41 The evolution of cognitive skills 


    28:24 Embracing uniquely brilliant minds 


    29:43 Changing systems to fit diverse minds 


    30:27 Choosing an MBA over engineering 


    32:18 Innovative projects and missed opportunities 


    33:39 Starting the "I Must Be BUG’N" podcast 


    34:42 Challenges of being neurodivergent in marginalized communities 


    38:08 The importance of diagnosis and acceptance 


    47:07 Creating a supportive community 


    53:15 Advice to younger self 


    Helpful Links:

    Wait, Could I Be Gifted? The "Quiz"Community for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacySubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

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  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)


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    We're back with the conclusion of our latest episode where I talk with the amazing LaToya Hinton, PhD. She is a late-identified AuDHDer who's gifted. LaToya is a mixed methods researcher, data nerd, python programmer and advocate for neurodivergent women leaders. She had so much to share about her experience of seld-discovery, how her relationship with her parents may have impacted her neurodivergent journey and the need for understanding, acceptance, and support for neurodivergent individuals in leadership roles.


    Key Takeaways:

    Why self-discovery and self-acceptance are critical, especially for marginalized communitiesSocietal expectations can limit the authentic expression of people's humanityHow inclusive and accessible work environments are crucial for neurodivergent individualsThe intersectionality of neurodivergence and race should be considered in discussions of diversity and inclusion

    Information Mentioned in this Episode:

    LaToya on LinkedInNeurodivergent Women Leaders: Creative Mentorship and SupportTecessibility Website

    Helpful Links:

    Wait, Could I Be Gifted? The "Quiz"Community for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the alb


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  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)


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    We're back with a new episode where I talk with the amazing LaToya Hinton, PhD. She is a late-identified AuDHDer who's gifted. LaToya is a mixed methods researcher, data nerd, python programmer and advocate for neurodivergent women leaders. She had so much to share about her experience of seld-discovery, how her relationship with her parents may have impacted her neurodivergent journey and the need for understanding, acceptance, and support for neurodivergent individuals in leadership roles.


    Key Takeaways:

    Late diagnosis of neurodivergence can be challenging but also life-changing in a positive way.Being curious about lived-experience can completely change relationshipsCreating safe spaces and providing resources and support is crucial for neurodivergent individuals, particularly in the workplace.

    Information Mentioned in this Episode:

    LaToya on LinkedInNeurodivergent Women Leaders: Creative Mentorship and SupportTecessibility Website

    Helpful Links:

    Wait, Could I Be Gifted? The "Quiz"Community for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the alb


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)


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    Ok, the self-awareness episode is HERE....finally. This is something I've been chewing on for MONTHS but I finally found time and space to start breaking down my thoughts. This first episode covers a lot of ground but is really just about the basics.


    I attempt to share my thoughts on:

    Why should want to look in the mirrorWhat self-reflection isHow we know we need to look in the mirrorWhy it even matters andWhat the drawbacks are

    I share a few visual examples so you can either watch this on YouTube or use the links below. This is a really important discussion that we'll be having throughout this Season. I hope you enjoy. Let me know in the comments and please SHARE!


    Links Reference in the episode:

    Self-Awareness PresentationDifferent Perspectives VideoA Guide to Shadow WorkCold Doesn't ExistJerry Colonna Speaking about Radical Self-InquiryMooji - Observing Ego vs Ultimate Observing

    Helpful Links:

    Community for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


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  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)


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    In this episode I spoke with Shea Belsky who is the Chief Technology Officer for Mentra, a hiring platform for neurodivergent job seekers. We talked about the impact of more people receiving a diagnosis or even self-identifying as neurodivergent. Shea shares his experience as someone who was diagnosed with autism early in life and how it colors his career and even his recent marriage. He tells us about the work they're doing at Mentra to empower neurodivergent job-seekers to advocate for themselves in ways they may not have felt comfortable or been aware of. They also work to challenge companies on how they're creating neuro-inclusive environments that not only will hire but retain people of diverse neurotypes. We have an encouraging conversation around the future of hiring. Check out the latest episode and let us know what you learned!


    Connect with Shea Belsky:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheabelskyhttps://www.instagram.com/[email protected]

    Helpful Links:

    Mentra - A Neurodiversity Employment NetworkCommunity for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)


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    Welcome to Season 2! In this episode we start out STRONG. I had the honor of having a discussion with Angela Davis aka the Kitchenista. She allowed me to create a safe space to discuss her journey of neurodivergent discovery. She shares her thoughts on going from being misdiagnosed when she was younger (all too common for Black women) while feeling it wasn't a perfect fit and ultimately finding clarity through ADHD and autism identification. Angela has built a very successful brand online showcasing her amazing recipes and cooking skills. She's a self-taught culinary virtuoso on a mission to empower home cooks. Listen as she reflects on her experiences growing up and how those insights inform her self-awareness and healing as an adult. We discuss how difficult it can be feeling no one else understands your experience while also having a very public an established persona. Now that she's making meaningful shifts in her life and feeling more empowered to communicate with and choose HER people, we talk a bit about what that looks like. Ultimately, this episode is an emotional exploration of the early-stages of neurodivergent discovery and acceptance. I'm just SO glad that allowed me to create a container for her to vulnerably and accessibly share her story.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Angela Davis, the Kitchenista09:51 Discovering Neurodivergence and Embracing Creativity25:56 Navigating Burnout and Mental Health46:04 Recognizing and Understanding Neurodivergence53:46 The Power of Community01:01:35 Awareness and Ableism01:09:39 Navigating Communication and Participation01:17:48 Finding Supportive Friends

    Connect with Angela Davis - The Kitchenista:

    https://patreon.com/kitchenista @thekitchenista on Instagram

    Helpful Links:

    SuperNova Momma Discusses Culturally Relevant StimmingCommunity for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)


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    In the final episode of my first Season, I interview Kaitlin Smith, MSW, Founder of Our Wild Minds. We talk about her work creating an amazing community for gifted BIPOC adults. Kaitlin shares her story, including the challenges of facing racism, sexism and mysogyny that created a significant misalignment with colleagues within her preparations to become a psychotherapist. She talks about how these factors influenced her decision to move away from psychotherapy and into the work she's currently pursuing that has even further implications for communities she cares about.


    This is an in-depth conversation that covers many areas, including how acorns can help us fight systems of oppession and bring us closer to Octavia Butler. We also talk about topics like the power of recognizing our place within the ecosystem as more than "apex predator". In this conversation, we challenge stereotypes and shift perspectives, discuss discovering a connection to nature, investigate the power of possibility and wonder, as well as the importance of building capacity for giftedness and other neurodivergent experiences.


    Key Topics:

    The impact of racism, sexism and misogyny in the field of psychotherapyAddressing internalized racism and assumptions is crucial for creating inclusive spaces for gifted individuals and the broader societyThe benefits of connecting with nature, including access to holistic and affordable food and medicineHow embracing possibility and wonder can lead to personal growth and the pursuit of ambitious goals, but it may also present challenges in a world that often values conformity.

    Connect with Kaitlin Smith:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourwildminds/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our.wildminds/Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaitlinsm1thLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlinnoelsmith/

    Helpful Links:

    Community for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsBrilliant Article "Acorns and Octavia" by Kaitlin Smith"What the Robin Knows" book by Jon YoungBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)


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    In this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Sydney Elaine Butler, an HR professional and Founder of Accessible Creates. We discuss the importance of centering neurodivergent voices and experiences, as well as Sydney's personal journey and understanding of neurodiversity. Sydney shares insights on improving internal HR practices and workplace accessibility, particularly for women. Sydney also highlights the importance of avoiding misconceptions about neurodivergence when providing accommodations, as well as the need for individualized approaches. We talk about the importance of continuous learning and being open to making mistakes as part of the journey towards inclusivity.


    Key Topics:

    Centering neurodivergent voices and experiences is crucial for creating inclusive and accessible workplaces.Understanding and embracing one's multiple identities is essential for personal growth and authenticity.Improving internal HR practices and workplace accessibility is vital for supporting neurodivergent individuals.Women in the workplace often face unique challenges and need support and understanding.Balancing personal and professional growth is important for overall well-being and success. Advancements in technology, such as AI and software tools, can improve accessibility and accommodations in the workplace.Avoid assuming what accommodations individuals need and instead listen to their specific needs.Creating safe and inclusive spaces requires continuous learning, embracing neurodivergent differences, and being open to making mistakes.Individuals should be patient and compassionate with themselves, understanding that their experiences and needs may differ.

    Connect with Sydney:

    linktr.ee/sydneyelainebutler - this has all their social links

    Helpful Links:

    Community for Black Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)


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    In this episode, I speak with Dr. Kimberly Douglass, a coach and consultant to neurodivergent adults who also identifies as AuDHD. Dr. Douglass delves into the concept of decolonizing neurodivergence. We talk about how refusing homework for her son helps her push back against the systems that seek to determine our societal outcomes. She shares why genuine curiosity, grace, and connection in supporting neurodivergent individuals is critical. I also learned about how she helps neurodivergent people, especially creatives, unlock their potential and make progress where they've felt stuck. At the core of this discussion is emphasizing the importance of seeing individuals as whole persons and creating space for self-discovery and acceptance.


    Key Topics:

    Decolonizing neurodivergence is about challenging the ideas that seek to forget the individual and see us only as commoditiesCurrent diagnostic criteria and support systems are often based on research conducted on white boys, which leads to a lack of understanding and support for individuals from marginalized communities.Making sure your message reaches the people who need to hear it, and that won't include everyone.How Black and marginalized individuals often face stereotypes and surveillance, which can overshadow our needs and lead to misinterpretation of our behavior.Creating space for self-discovery and acceptance and how that's key to neurodivergent healing and thriving.

    Connect with Dr. Douglass:

    [email protected]

    Helpful Links:

    Community for Black Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


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  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)


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    On this episode I chat with my good friend, Dr. Patty Williams, a trauma therapist and advocate for the gifted and neurodivergent community. Dr. Patty shares her personal journey as a 2E child and now therapist. I speak with Dr. Patty about her upcoming book, healing gifted trauma and how we heal. She also discusses the Bloomers group, a Facebook community for gifted and twice exceptional adults. It's a great conversation that I've been looking forward to sharing with you all for awhile.


    Key Topics

    The challenges with identifying and supporting gifted and 2E people, especially when their giftedness masks other needs or conditions.Why imposter syndrome can be common among gifted individuals, leading them to question their expertise and belonging in their field.Why she wants to move away from the term "asynchronous development" The importance of safe and inclusive community, such as the Bloomers groupMore

    Connect with Dr. Patty:

    https://brightinsight.support/[email protected]

    Helpful Links:

    Bloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


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  • Enjoy the conclusion of my amazing conversation with Dr. Dave Hester, a Vice-President at LifeGuides, tech-innovator, speaker, psychologist, transformational leader with a goal of improving the wellbeing of 1 billion human lives.


    In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Dave Hester, we discuss the importance of challenging our perspectives by not identifying with them, self-acceptance and compassion, rejection sensitivity and emotional permanance, Rumi and more.


    Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)


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    Connect with Dave:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhesterjr

    Helpful Links:

    LifeGuides WebsiteBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupND Connect - online community for neurodivergent peopleNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Happy New Year! I hope the holidays treated you well and you avoided many of the pitfalls of challenging experiences that can come with this annual cycle.


    Dr. Dave Hester is a Vice-President at LifeGuides, tech-innovator, speaker, psychologist, transformational leader with a goal of improving the wellbeing of 1 billion human lives.


    In Part 1 of my conversation with Dr. Dave Hester, we discuss his background, whether his family supported his neurodivergent journey, how LifeGuides aligned with his personal mission and how it's transforming workplaces as well as other neurodivergent curiosities about how life works.


    Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)


    Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG


    Connect with Dave:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhesterjr

    Helpful Links:

    LifeGuides WebsiteBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupND Connect - online community for neurodivergent peopleNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


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  • Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)


    Today I was absolutely HONORED for my first guest to be Dr. Joy Lawson Davis, the award-winning author and preeminent advocate for Black and marginalized gifted students.


    Dr. Davis' most recent books include "Bright Talented & Black: A guide for Families of Black gifted learners 2.0”; “Empowering Underrepresented Gifted Students: Perspectives from the Field” and “Culturally Responsive Teaching in Gifted Education: Building Cultural Competence and Serving Diverse populations”.


    Our amazing discussion includes:

    Her experience as a Black gifted childThe resistance she experienced in doing her work as a Black womanHow we can identify gifted students and more

    Connect with Dr. Davis:

    Email: [email protected]: https://drjoylawsondavis.com/Twitter/X: @davis_joy

    NOTE: I apologize sincerely for the background noise. They say the library is a quiet place but I can assure you that is not always true (haha).


    Helpful Links:

    The G-Word Film Link to Bloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupLink to ND Connect - online community for neurodivergent peopleLink to Neurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


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  • Hey Community,


    This episode is a QUICK check-in to let you all know where I've been and a few of the exciting things coming soon. Join me for this quick insight and feel free to catch-up on previous episodes you may have missed. I hope everyone is doing AMAZING and has at least one person that can help them feel seen and heard.


    Lots of things, including GUEST episodes coming soon * insert looking eyes emoji *


    Helpful Links:

    "If I Let Go, Will Everything Be Okay?" - Sadhguru video (~11mins)Link to Bloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupTikTok list of neurodivergent-focused appsLink to ND Connect - online community for neurodivergent peopleLink to Neurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


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  • The holiday season can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Some of us choose to mask during the next couple months and then detox after. Some of us don't bother showing up at all. Have you ever wondered what it's like for neurodivergent people during the holidays?


    Join me as I discuss many of the reasons the holidays aren't as pleasant for us as they are for others.


    I also share some helpful tips for making this holiday season better, regardless of what you may have experienced in the past.


    TO AVOID THE DISCUSSION OF PAST TRAUMAS, SKIP TO THE 20 MIN MARK


    Helpful Links:

    link to Facebook virtual Thanksgiving infoTikTok list of neurodivergent-focused appsLink to ND Connect - online community for neurodivergent peopleLink to Bloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupLink to Neurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupLink to “I” vs “You” statements from Sadaf Siddiqi on IGSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


    Forgive me for ANY background audio issues. I appreciate your patience while I work to improve it.


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  • In this episode I address a few misconceptions that people have about gifted and otherwise neurodivergent people. There are many things we get tired of being judged for. There are questions we're tired of answering. There are ways we all can create safer spaces for people to be their full selves. This doesn't preclude us from accountability for harmful actions but it does mean we need to ask the question about how we create awareness of internalized ableist beliefs.


    As they say, none of us is free until we're all free and we can't be free if we're held to neuronormative standards.


    Helfpul Links:

    Dabrowski's OverexcitabilitiesOverexcitabilities and Highly Gifted PeopleSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsMulti-Exceptionality and Asynchronous DevelopmentBloomers: Gifted and 2e Adults (Facebook Group)Don't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


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  • Neurodivergent people are all too familiar with masking. It's the tiring process of trying to hide who we are. I'm hoping we can move past that to live our most authentic lives.


    We mask because we're afraid of being hurt or abandoned. We get so fixated on the mask and getting people to accept and respect our "normalcy" that we lose sight of who we are and want to be. However, the truth is that the point at which we can let go of those expectations we give ourselves the most safety and freedom.


    I talk a bit about this and give some good examples. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you've taken a listen...


    Helpful Links:

    Tweet about young people not hating mathTweet thread about how to use redirection phrasesHow we should affirm children beyond saying "they're smart"Page Turner's post about letting go of the embarrassment of being humanWhat is dyscalculia?Don't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...

    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


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  • In this episode, I dig into why this discussion is especially important for Black and underrepresented people. It can be a heavy episode, especially for those who didn't feel affirmed or supported in their neurodiversity and differences as a child.


    I speak to things like:

    How the mentality that "a child should stay in a child's place" is problematicThe consequences of not talking about the "touched" family memberHow Black feminist insights help identify the root of the structures that keep us stuckWhy some of the things meant to keep Black (and IPOC) people safe can be traumatic for neurodivergent peopleAnd more (smile)

    Don't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...


    Here are some supporting resources for this discussion:

    The Neurodiversity Podcast - Low-Demand Parenting: Bridging Divisions, Fostering TrustLook Harder for Gifted Children of Color: They are Everywhere! (mentions Dr. Jenkins' work)We are Gifted 2 - check out the work of Dr. Joy Lawson Davis who continues the legacy of Dr. JenkinsWhere is the outrage about the pipeline to prison for gifted students?How some of America’s most gifted kids wind up in prisonADHD, Autism, Giftedness Venn Diagram

    Episode transcript provided by Riverside


    Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore


    P.S. in this episode where I use the word "weakness", I'm referring to perceived weakness rather than a defined one.


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