Spark Launch Podcasthttps://sparklaunchpodcast.com/enMental HealthSpark Launchhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/efff539892d78b07af681baadf006863.jpgSpark Launch Podcasthttps://sparklaunchpodcast.com/Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:25:10 +0000Spark LaunchSpark Launchinfo@mhnrnetwork.comSpark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited: You’ve landed at Spark Launch — the guide star for embracing what it means to be neurodiverse. Hosted by Chaya Mallavaram (the artsy ADHD brain behind Spark Launch) and Mike Cornell (a peer support specialist who...falseepisodicBurnout & Balance: Reciprocity and Resilience in Healthcare w/ Katy Johnsonhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/burnout-balance-reciprocity-and-resilience-in-healthcare-w-katy-johnson--73614156
  • Misidentifying adult ADHD symptoms as simple perfectionism and procrastination.
  • The grief and relief of a late-in-life diagnosis
  • Why mindfulness can be challenging for neurodivergent brains and how movement helps
  • The process of forgiving yourself for decades of negative internal dialogue.
  • Recognizing healthcare worker burnout and the grief and sadness that builds up without a release
  • Why hospitals aren't the place for healthcare workers to heal and the need for external wellness spaces
  • Why the female-dominated healthcare industry normalizes toxic levels of compassion fatigue
  • The unique challenges of launching a nonprofit organization while navigating ADHD
  • Making wellness spaces more inclusive, accessible, and less performative
    • Quotes:
    • "For years. I was going to my doctor, my therapist, saying, 'I used to be so productive... What is wrong with me? Why?'" — Katy Johnson
    • "I do think that the communities could do more for the healthcare providers. I know the hospitals can't do it. Their job is to save the patients, not to save their staff." — Katy Johnson
    • "If you don't feel good in the room, are you in the right room? Because for me, it wasn't the right room, and it's not about them being bad people. It's about me and where I was comfortable." — Katy Johnson
    About Katy Johnson: Katy Johnson, RN, MHL, is a former pediatric transplant nurse and the founder of Reciprocity KC, a nonprofit dedicated to helping healthcare professionals heal from the inside out. After spending more than a decade working in pediatric hematology, oncology, and transplant, she witnessed firsthand the devastating toll of compassion fatigue and chronic stress on those who give so much of themselves. At 38, Katy was late-diagnosed with ADHD and social phobia—and likely falls within the AuDHD spectrum—a discovery that profoundly shifted her approach to nervous system regulation, sensory needs, and authenticity. Guided by the belief that you can’t pour from an empty cup and that caregivers deserve care too, she launched Reciprocity KC to offer donation-based yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness events for medical professionals in the Kansas City community. Today, Katy balances her nonprofit mission with a career in oncology biopharma, raising two kids, and continuing her own journey of growth through movement and self-discovery. Connect with Katy Johnson: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>    fabaccdb-5471-4968-9e85-505298a27925Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Katy Johnson, a registered nurse and founder of Reciprocity KC, who brings vital wellness support directly to burned-out healthcare professionals. Katy opens up about her late-in-life ADHD and social-phobia diagnosis,...
  • Misidentifying adult ADHD symptoms as simple perfectionism and procrastination.
  • The grief and relief of a late-in-life diagnosis
  • Why mindfulness can be challenging for neurodivergent brains and how movement helps
  • The process of forgiving yourself for decades of negative internal dialogue.
  • Recognizing healthcare worker burnout and the grief and sadness that builds up without a release
  • Why hospitals aren't the place for healthcare workers to heal and the need for external wellness spaces
  • Why the female-dominated healthcare industry normalizes toxic levels of compassion fatigue
  • The unique challenges of launching a nonprofit organization while navigating ADHD
  • Making wellness spaces more inclusive, accessible, and less performative
    • Quotes:
    • "For years. I was going to my doctor, my therapist, saying, 'I used to be so productive... What is wrong with me? Why?'" — Katy Johnson
    • "I do think that the communities could do more for the healthcare providers. I know the hospitals can't do it. Their job is to save the patients, not to save their staff." — Katy Johnson
    • "If you don't feel good in the room, are you in the right room? Because for me, it wasn't the right room, and it's not about them being bad people. It's about me and where I was comfortable." — Katy Johnson
    About Katy Johnson: Katy Johnson, RN, MHL, is a former pediatric transplant nurse and the founder of Reciprocity KC, a nonprofit dedicated to helping healthcare professionals heal from the inside out. After spending more than a decade working in pediatric hematology, oncology, and transplant, she witnessed firsthand the devastating toll of compassion fatigue and chronic stress on those who give so much of themselves. At 38, Katy was late-diagnosed with ADHD and social phobia—and likely falls within the AuDHD spectrum—a discovery that profoundly shifted her approach to nervous system regulation, sensory needs, and authenticity. Guided by the belief that you can’t pour from an empty cup and that caregivers deserve care too, she launched Reciprocity KC to offer donation-based yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness events for medical professionals in the Kansas City community. Today, Katy balances her nonprofit mission with a career in oncology biopharma, raising two kids, and continuing her own journey of growth through movement and self-discovery. Connect with Katy Johnson: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your...]]>    2117adult adhd diagnosis stories,coping strategies,coping with compassion fatigue,grief in healthcare,healthcare burnout,navigating adult adhd,nervous system,neurodivergent healthcare prof,nonprofit,nonprofit mental health suppor,nurse burnout,pediatric oncology nurse burno,reciprocity kc,self-compassion,setting boundaries with social,social phobia,somatic wellness for healthcar,starting a nonprofit with adhd,wellness community,yoga for trauma releasefalse312full    Regulate, Restore, Remember: Unmasking the Neurodivergent Nervous System w/ Briana McCallumhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/regulate-restore-remember-unmasking-the-neurodivergent-nervous-system-w-briana-mccallum--73281471
  • Briana’s path from misunderstood child to healer, coach, and advocate
  • How she explains energy work through chakras and the central nervous system
  • Why grief, stress, and dysregulation can show up as pain in the body
  • The gut-brain connection and how food affects mood, focus, and inflammation
  • Glutamate sensitivity, sugar crashes, and tracking food patterns for self-awareness
  • How masking in neurodivergence disrupts emotional and energetic alignment
  • Breathwork, grounding, and nervous system regulation in overstimulating environments
  • Medication resistance, intolerance, and holistic starting points for support
  • Adaptogens, medicinal mushrooms, and nutrition for cognitive and emotional steadiness
  • The tension and complement between neurodivergent and neurotypical ways of moving through the world
    • Quotes:
    • "As a life coach, it is an intentional process. Like, hey, I'm gonna come mess you up in the most beautiful ways." — Briana McCallum
    • _"When we mask and we are pretending to be somebody we are not, there's so much turmoil inside of us. But we can always realign."_— Chaya
    • "The only thing we really have control over is ourselves." — Briana McCallum
    About Briana McCallum: Briana McCallum is an ACCP International Board Certified Life Coach from Jay Shetty's Certification School and a Neurodiversity Empowerment Coach specializing in helping neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers achieve their goals and set themselves up for success.   Using her trinity coaching model — combining mind, body, and spiritual health — she approaches every goal, dream, and aspiration with a full-circle wellness perspective.   With 4 years of Life Skills Leadership at Cooperiis Healing Farm, 20+ years of studies in psychology, sociology, and human development, and over 30 years of lived experience, Briana brings a deeply personal and professional foundation to her work.   She is also a Reiki Master, holistic health consultant, medium, and the founder of LMH Custom Teas & Herbs LLC — a trinity wellness company blending botanical medicine, energy healing, and personalized coaching support.   As a neurodivergent woman who could not tolerate medications, Briana was forced to navigate her own path to wellness — moving through cycles of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain using holistic and integrative approaches. That lived necessity became the foundation of the coaching practice she offers today through Divine EMP Coaching. Connect with Briana McCallum: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>    b359ce26-ce68-4563-a4de-c0c9e1fac05dFri, 31 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Briana McCallum, founder of Divine Empowerment Coaching, who helps neurodivergent people and caregivers build regulation, self-trust, and resilience. Briana opens up about her path from an medication-resistant kid to...
  • Briana’s path from misunderstood child to healer, coach, and advocate
  • How she explains energy work through chakras and the central nervous system
  • Why grief, stress, and dysregulation can show up as pain in the body
  • The gut-brain connection and how food affects mood, focus, and inflammation
  • Glutamate sensitivity, sugar crashes, and tracking food patterns for self-awareness
  • How masking in neurodivergence disrupts emotional and energetic alignment
  • Breathwork, grounding, and nervous system regulation in overstimulating environments
  • Medication resistance, intolerance, and holistic starting points for support
  • Adaptogens, medicinal mushrooms, and nutrition for cognitive and emotional steadiness
  • The tension and complement between neurodivergent and neurotypical ways of moving through the world
    • Quotes:
    • "As a life coach, it is an intentional process. Like, hey, I'm gonna come mess you up in the most beautiful ways." — Briana McCallum
    • _"When we mask and we are pretending to be somebody we are not, there's so much turmoil inside of us. But we can always realign."_— Chaya
    • "The only thing we really have control over is ourselves." — Briana McCallum
    About Briana McCallum: Briana McCallum is an ACCP International Board Certified Life Coach from Jay Shetty's Certification School and a Neurodiversity Empowerment Coach specializing in helping neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers achieve their goals and set themselves up for success.   Using her trinity coaching model — combining mind, body, and spiritual health — she approaches every goal, dream, and aspiration with a full-circle wellness perspective.   With 4 years of Life Skills Leadership at Cooperiis Healing Farm, 20+ years of studies in psychology, sociology, and human development, and over 30 years of lived experience, Briana brings a deeply personal and professional foundation to her work.   She is also a Reiki Master, holistic health consultant, medium, and the founder of LMH Custom Teas & Herbs LLC — a trinity wellness company blending botanical medicine, energy healing, and personalized coaching support.   As a neurodivergent woman who could not tolerate medications, Briana was forced to navigate her own path to wellness — moving through cycles of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain using holistic and integrative approaches. That lived necessity became the foundation of the coaching practice she offers today through Divine EMP Coaching. Connect with Briana McCallum: About Dr. Uli K. Chettipally: Dr. Uli K. Chettipally is an award-winning physician, researcher, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in emergency medicine, clinical decision support, and digital therapeutics. He is the founder of Sirica Therapeutics, a start-up that is developing a novel device system for autism, using robotics, virtual reality, and video gaming. His mission is to make therapy fun and effective for children with autism and their families. He is also the founder and President of InnovatorMD, the world's largest physician innovation platform that aims to inform, inspire, and ignite solutions that revolutionize patient care. He organizes events, classes, and meetups for physician innovators and startups, and runs a Health Tech pre-seed accelerator in partnership with Founder Institute. He is passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes, quality, and affordability Connect with Dr. Uli K. Chettipally: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>77c14e31-7f4c-4cda-ac8f-2526fddd7954Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Uli K. Chettipally, an emergency medicine physician and autism-tech innovator, who is reimagining what support can look like for non-speaking autistic people. Uli shares how his daughter Siri’s autism diagnosis changed...
  • What autism looked like in Siri’s early childhood, before reliable communication
  • Why Dr. Chettipally questioned the results his family saw from ABA therapy
  • How exercise helped Siri with anxiety, regulation, and daily life
  • The link between motor planning, speech, and non-speaking autism
  • How letter board communication changed Siri’s education and self-advocacy
  • Why families are told to doubt communication tools that are working
  • What “high needs” can really mean when someone has no reliable way to communicate
  • How robotics, VR, and gaming could support autism therapy
  • Siri’s college success and her plans for neuroscience
  • What Sirica.ai hopes to make easier for non-speaking autistic people and their families
    • About Dr. Uli K. Chettipally: Dr. Uli K. Chettipally is an award-winning physician, researcher, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in emergency medicine, clinical decision support, and digital therapeutics. He is the founder of Sirica Therapeutics, a start-up that is developing a novel device system for autism, using robotics, virtual reality, and video gaming. His mission is to make therapy fun and effective for children with autism and their families. He is also the founder and President of InnovatorMD, the world's largest physician innovation platform that aims to inform, inspire, and ignite solutions that revolutionize patient care. He organizes events, classes, and meetups for physician innovators and startups, and runs a Health Tech pre-seed accelerator in partnership with Founder Institute. He is passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes, quality, and affordability Connect with Dr. Uli K. Chettipally: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected: Quotes: "If you have a shoe that doesn't fit you, accommodations are like giving you a shoehorn so you can best put your foot in a shoe that doesn't fit you." — Enrique Cachafeiro "School is actively detrimental. And for our special kiddos, it's even worse because the system is really good at putting labels on people." — Enrique Cachafeiro "There isn't failure. There's struggles, and struggles are part of any path." — Enrique Cachafeiro "Stop equating the school system with education. There are other ways, and we just have to get brave enough to try them." — Enrique Cachafeiro About Enrique Cachafeiro: Dr. Enrique Cachafeiro has spent the last decade finding ways to evolve the state of the classroom to take advantage of new instructional technologies and strategies. He specializes in the introduction of technology into the classroom, the use of innovative strategies such as blended learning and gamified learning, and in helping teachers and administration adopt these into their districts and classrooms. Dr. Cachafeiro continues to push the envelope by exploring emerging technologies, such as immersive worlds, virtual reality, and AI, as well as video games and their application to the classroom. He has not only done this in his own classroom but has also presented at various levels to various groups on the use and adoption of the technologies. Presently, he is working for Duke Health as an Education and Training Coordinator and teaches a course on Serious Game Design. He continues to be an advocate for change in education. Connect with Enrique Cachafeiro: Recommended Reading: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>885c7d72-e459-4f54-8bb8-3ed6ca8e2326Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Enrique Cachafeiro, an education innovator and serious game designer challenging the industrial-era classroom model. Enrique explains why traditional education systems are fundamentally misaligned with neurodivergent...
  • Why the traditional education system prioritizes conformity over curiosity
  • How standard accommodations leaves neurodivergent students stuck inside a structure that still doesn’t fit
  • How grades create false confidence or fixed student identities
  • Why neurodivergent learners often thrive through autonomy, curiosity, and deep interest-based exploration
  • How gamification reframes failure as feedback, practice, and iteration
  • The difference between adding technology to a classroom and actually redesigning education
  • Why parents and teachers are often trapped in the same unsupported system as students
    • Quotes: "If you have a shoe that doesn't fit you, accommodations are like giving you a shoehorn so you can best put your foot in a shoe that doesn't fit you." — Enrique Cachafeiro "School is actively detrimental. And for our special kiddos, it's even worse because the system is really good at putting labels on people." — Enrique Cachafeiro "There isn't failure. There's struggles, and struggles are part of any path." — Enrique Cachafeiro "Stop equating the school system with education. There are other ways, and we just have to get brave enough to try them." — Enrique Cachafeiro About Enrique Cachafeiro: Dr. Enrique Cachafeiro has spent the last decade finding ways to evolve the state of the classroom to take advantage of new instructional technologies and strategies. He specializes in the introduction of technology into the classroom, the use of innovative strategies such as blended learning and gamified learning, and in helping teachers and administration adopt these into their districts and classrooms. Dr. Cachafeiro continues to push the envelope by exploring emerging technologies, such as immersive worlds, virtual reality, and AI, as well as video games and their application to the classroom. He has not only done this in his own classroom but has also presented at various levels to various groups on the use and adoption of the technologies. Presently, he is working for Duke Health as an Education and Training Coordinator and teaches a course on Serious Game Design. He continues to be an advocate for change in education. Connect with Enrique Cachafeiro: Recommended Reading: Quotes:
    • “We could have the best conditions externally… but if we don’t do the work inside.” — Jodi Davidson
    • “I hate the word deficit... if we don't look at it from a place of it being pathologized, and instead recognize that it's just simply the way people are wired.” — Jodi Davidson
    • “Perfectionism isn't egoistic always... neurodivergent individuals often feel like they're gonna be found out if they're not perfect.” — Mike
    About Jodi Davidson: Jodi Davidson is a coach and consultant who helps individuals and teams build real self-trust, self-compassion, and belonging from the inside-out. After years working in large organizations on inclusion and belonging, she hit a hard personal truth: external “belonging” efforts can fall flat when people don’t feel worthy or whole internally. Jodi’s work is shaped by lived experience—family caregiving, neurodivergence in her family, and learning to forgive herself for choices made under pressure. Today she’s developing the Kintsugi Connected Leader framework (release, repair, renew), using the Kintsugi metaphor to help people integrate the “cracked open” parts of life into something more honest, sustainable, and human. Connect with Jodi Davidson:     Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>d624cd3f-8466-405b-a6b6-f8cb83955f8aFri, 10 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Jodi Davidson, founder of Leader Within coaching and consulting, who opens up about how shame, perfectionism, and masking can quietly run the show. She shares the story behind her Kintsugi-inspired approach (release,...
  • Why belonging has to start internally before any external system can feel real
  • How layoffs can force a deeper reckoning with identity and self-worth
  • The Kintsugi framework and what release, repair, and renew can look like in real life
  • How hacking ADHD can change the way motivation and task initiation actually work
  • The reality of late-diagnosed neurodivergence and what masking can cost over time
  • How caregiver burnout and family dynamics shape self-esteem, empathy, and survival
  • Why self-compassion matters when you catch yourself slipping into old patterns
  • Why the pressure to be "perfect" is actually a trauma response that kills creativity
    • Quotes:
    • “We could have the best conditions externally… but if we don’t do the work inside.” — Jodi Davidson
    • “I hate the word deficit... if we don't look at it from a place of it being pathologized, and instead recognize that it's just simply the way people are wired.” — Jodi Davidson
    • “Perfectionism isn't egoistic always... neurodivergent individuals often feel like they're gonna be found out if they're not perfect.” — Mike
    About Jodi Davidson: Jodi Davidson is a coach and consultant who helps individuals and teams build real self-trust, self-compassion, and belonging from the inside-out. After years working in large organizations on inclusion and belonging, she hit a hard personal truth: external “belonging” efforts can fall flat when people don’t feel worthy or whole internally. Jodi’s work is shaped by lived experience—family caregiving, neurodivergence in her family, and learning to forgive herself for choices made under pressure. Today she’s developing the Kintsugi Connected Leader framework (release, repair, renew), using the Kintsugi metaphor to help people integrate the “cracked open” parts of life into something more honest, sustainable, and human. Connect with Jodi Davidson: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected: Quotes:
    • "Neurodivergents are like Furbies."
    • “89% of neurodivergence face outright discrimination at work.”
    • "Accommodations are not favors."
    About Laney Hills: Laney Hills is the founder of CuriouslyDivergent and NeuroCuriosity, and an autistic advocate who knows firsthand what it means to work in systems that weren’t built for you. After spending years masking, navigating corporate power dynamics, and experiencing workplace discrimination, Laney began translating those experiences into education and change. Today, she works with leaders, HR professionals, and teams to redesign workplace systems so neurodivergent people don’t have to choose between authenticity and survival. Her work centers on clarity, dignity, and building environments where people are no longer asked to be entirely too much—or not enough. Connect with Laney Hills:     Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>17603ae9-793b-4851-a41c-b32cce82ca92Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Lainey Hills, founder of Curiously Divergent and Neuro Curiosity, to talk about why neurodivergent employees struggle at work because of workplace design—not lack of capability. Lainey shares her experiences with autism,...
  • Why Psychology And Tech Often Attract Neurodivergent People
  • Masking, Authenticity, And Mental Health Costs
  • Misdiagnosis Patterns For Women And Medication Risks
  • Communication Devices, Nonverbal Autism, And Assumptions About IQ
  • EEOC Basics, Disclosure, And What Employers Can (And Can’t) Ask For
  • Why PIPs Commonly Fail Neurodivergent Employees
  • Simple Manager Adjustments For RSD And Feedback Conversations
  • Remote Work, RTO, And Sensory/Transition Overload In Offices
  • Lateral Movement, Shadowing Other Departments, And Innovation
  • Parenting Neurodivergent Kids Without Shame Or “Brokenness” Narratives
    • Quotes:
    • "Neurodivergents are like Furbies."
    • “89% of neurodivergence face outright discrimination at work.”
    • "Accommodations are not favors."
    About Laney Hills: Laney Hills is the founder of CuriouslyDivergent and NeuroCuriosity, and an autistic advocate who knows firsthand what it means to work in systems that weren’t built for you. After spending years masking, navigating corporate power dynamics, and experiencing workplace discrimination, Laney began translating those experiences into education and change. Today, she works with leaders, HR professionals, and teams to redesign workplace systems so neurodivergent people don’t have to choose between authenticity and survival. Her work centers on clarity, dignity, and building environments where people are no longer asked to be entirely too much—or not enough. Connect with Laney Hills: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected: Quotes:
    • "A learning disability doesn't mean you can't learn. It means that there's a discrepancy between your skills."
    • "We see a child, a non-speaking child trying to communicate through behaviors or gestures or grabbing things or trying to express their emotions… and we immediately think they have no feelings, they have nothing to say, and that's not true. They just don't have the proper way to express it."
    • "Non-speaking children have things to say."
    About Elissa Renee: Elissa Renee Mandel (she/her), founder of Speech Works by Elissa, is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Autism Clinical Specialist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Diagnosed as autistic and ADHD later in life, Elissa brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her practice. Her journey began after witnessing how conventional approaches fell short for her neurodivergent clients and herself. With a focus on children facing severe speech delays, apraxia, sensory challenges, and those considered “non-verbal,” Elissa empowers parents through step-by-step communication programs, coaching, and actionable home strategies. Her progressive, world-class techniques have garnered praise from clients and experts alike for transforming the lives of children who previously “couldn’t speak a word.” Elissa is a strong advocate for sensory-friendly events, early parent involvement, and the power of neurodivergent-informed care. She is a featured expert in the upcoming TV docuseries “Legacy Makers,” a sought-after podcast guest, and the co-creator of online resources to help families anywhere accelerate their child’s journey to communication. Connect with Elissa:     Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>18bfe5ef-9040-4354-a142-e6ffebf1f0ceFri, 26 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Elissa Renee—speech-language pathologist, autism clinical specialist, and the founder of Speech Works by Elissa—for a conversation that challenges what we assume “communication” looks like. Elissa shares how her own...
  • Selective mutism, apraxia of speech, and word-finding
  • Adult diagnosis in women, accommodations, and self-understanding
  • Non-speaking vs non-verbal and why language matters
  • Communication therapy through motor planning and auditory processing
  • Why repetition-only speech therapy fails autistic learning styles
  • The severe mental and physical toll of masking
  • Separating verbal output from intelligence
  • The six muscle groups involved in speech and why breath support matters more than most people realize
  • Masking, burnout, and help from The Aspie World
    • Quotes:
    • "A learning disability doesn't mean you can't learn. It means that there's a discrepancy between your skills."
    • "We see a child, a non-speaking child trying to communicate through behaviors or gestures or grabbing things or trying to express their emotions… and we immediately think they have no feelings, they have nothing to say, and that's not true. They just don't have the proper way to express it."
    • "Non-speaking children have things to say."
    About Elissa Renee: Elissa Renee Mandel (she/her), founder of Speech Works by Elissa, is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Autism Clinical Specialist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Diagnosed as autistic and ADHD later in life, Elissa brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her practice. Her journey began after witnessing how conventional approaches fell short for her neurodivergent clients and herself. With a focus on children facing severe speech delays, apraxia, sensory challenges, and those considered “non-verbal,” Elissa empowers parents through step-by-step communication programs, coaching, and actionable home strategies. Her progressive, world-class techniques have garnered praise from clients and experts alike for transforming the lives of children who previously “couldn’t speak a word.” Elissa is a strong advocate for sensory-friendly events, early parent involvement, and the power of neurodivergent-informed care. She is a featured expert in the upcoming TV docuseries “Legacy Makers,” a sought-after podcast guest, and the co-creator of online resources to help families anywhere accelerate their child’s journey to communication. Connect with Elissa: Quotes:
    • "I didn't know what out-of-the-box thinking was because I didn't even know a box existed." — Candace Gillhoolley
    • "It took away my quantum personality — the superposition between the zero and the one." — Candace Gillhoolley
    • "When you're uncertain, you're learning. Every moment of uncertainty is a moment where you're learning." — Candace Gillhoolley
    • "The ‘not knowing’ something is the invitation to become aware of something." — Mike Cornell
    About Candace Gillhoolley: Candace Gillhoolley is an engagement leader and author with 15+ years of experience helping clients succeed in EdTech, digital marketing, and publishing. As the co-author of Foundations of Sentient Marketing, her passion lies in making complex concepts accessible and actionable, empowering businesses to implement innovative and inclusive strategies. She is a vocal advocate for the neurodivergent community, exploring how emerging technologies can be designed to celebrate different ways of thinking and create more inclusive digital environments. Connect with Candace Gillhoolley:     Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>94574350-f263-4071-be64-ff85a276d9a3Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Candace Gillhoolley: author, and co-host of the #1-rated quantum computing podcast Impact Quantum. The daughter of an IBM inventor who was working on quantum algorithms decades before the world caught up, and someone who...
  • How dyslexia forged Candace's big-picture, non-linear thinking style
  • The "neuro-basic" systems that are failing neurodivergent kids and adults alike
  • Why AI-based job interviews flatten neurodivergent candidates, erasing their "quantum personality"
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) as a game-changer for neurodivergent families
  • What it really means to parent from love instead of fear
  • Why neurodivergent kids are more flexible and adaptable than we ever give them credit for
  • Technology's role in making neurodivergent diagnosis earlier, more accurate, and far less traumatic
  • How eye-tracking technology may reshape early autism diagnosis in infants
  • Why letting your kids fail young is one of the best gifts you can give them
    • Quotes:
    • "I didn't know what out-of-the-box thinking was because I didn't even know a box existed." — Candace Gillhoolley
    • "It took away my quantum personality — the superposition between the zero and the one." — Candace Gillhoolley
    • "When you're uncertain, you're learning. Every moment of uncertainty is a moment where you're learning." — Candace Gillhoolley
    • "The ‘not knowing’ something is the invitation to become aware of something." — Mike Cornell
    About Candace Gillhoolley: Candace Gillhoolley is an engagement leader and author with 15+ years of experience helping clients succeed in EdTech, digital marketing, and publishing. As the co-author of Foundations of Sentient Marketing, her passion lies in making complex concepts accessible and actionable, empowering businesses to implement innovative and inclusive strategies. She is a vocal advocate for the neurodivergent community, exploring how emerging technologies can be designed to celebrate different ways of thinking and create more inclusive digital environments. Connect with Candace Gillhoolley: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any...]]>    2415adhd,adhd voices,ai job interviews,autism,autism podcast,candace gillhoolley,candace gillhoolley neurodiver,candace gillhoolley podcast,dbt families,diagnosis,dyslexia podcast,early autism diagnosis technol,education,neurodivergent brains and quan,neurodivergent job interviews,neurodivergent parenting,neurodivergent strengths,neurodivergent strengths in ed,quantum,quantum computingfalse35full    Spark Becomes a Flame: Dr. Ravi R. Iyer on Focus, Agency, and Human Potentialhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/spark-becomes-a-flame-dr-ravi-r-iyer-on-focus-agency-and-human-potential--72497762
  • ADHD focus and attention training
  • Dopamine and reward loops
  • Attention as the bridge between desire and action
  • Human potential and self-expression
  • How external validation hijacks identity
  • Parenting as a power dynamic
  • How language shapes a child’s sense of possibility
  • Learning through immersion and multiple senses
    • Quotes:
    • “Desire does not produce success. That is like saying you can cook an A three course meal on a spark. You can’t.”
    • “The entire world is sitting at the restaurant of their lives, eating the menu instead of eating the meal.”
    • “Do you realize the benign indifference that the universe has to your problems?”
    • “They don’t recognize that they have the capacity to create the meal of their life.”
    About Dr. Ravi R. Iyer: Dr. Ravi R. Iyer is a Harvard-educated physician, entrepreneur, and ADHD thought leader focused on human potential, intentional focus, and neuro-inclusive leadership. He is the founder of the Iyer Clinic, CEO of Active Power Inc., and the creator of IR Focal Point, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations harness attention as a tool for performance and transformation. Ravi is also the author of The Reaper’s Dance and shares teachings on neurodiversity, health, and human potential through his online platforms. Connect with Dr. Ravi Iyer Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>    d868dec5-93e7-4487-9ff3-c6f4d819788fFri, 12 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Ravi R. Iyer, a Harvard-educated physician, entrepreneur, ADHD thought leader, and creator of IR Focal Point, to talk about the one force that turns potential into reality: attention. Ravi unpacks why desire alone is...
  • ADHD focus and attention training
  • Dopamine and reward loops
  • Attention as the bridge between desire and action
  • Human potential and self-expression
  • How external validation hijacks identity
  • Parenting as a power dynamic
  • How language shapes a child’s sense of possibility
  • Learning through immersion and multiple senses
    • Quotes:
    • “Desire does not produce success. That is like saying you can cook an A three course meal on a spark. You can’t.”
    • “The entire world is sitting at the restaurant of their lives, eating the menu instead of eating the meal.”
    • “Do you realize the benign indifference that the universe has to your problems?”
    • “They don’t recognize that they have the capacity to create the meal of their life.”
    About Dr. Ravi R. Iyer: Dr. Ravi R. Iyer is a Harvard-educated physician, entrepreneur, and ADHD thought leader focused on human potential, intentional focus, and neuro-inclusive leadership. He is the founder of the Iyer Clinic, CEO of Active Power Inc., and the creator of IR Focal Point, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations harness attention as a tool for performance and transformation. Ravi is also the author of The Reaper’s Dance and shares teachings on neurodiversity, health, and human potential through his online platforms. Connect with Dr. Ravi Iyer Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected: Quotes
    • "Hang in there because greatness is arriving. You just may not see it yet, but it’s going to come to you."
    • "For one day, screw the deficiencies. Let’s focus on the positive aspects."
    • "After the speaking engagements, I’m exhausted, man. People are exhausting."
    About Sam Mitchell Sam Mitchell is the creator and host of the podcast and nonprofit Autism Rocks and Rolls. What started as a high‑school hobby has grown into a nonprofit where Sam serves as Executive Director. Through his show, live events, and educational content, Sam works to destigmatize autism, challenge deficit‑based language, and highlight the talents and skills of people on the spectrum. He has recorded well over 100 episodes, been a guest on hundreds of shows, and interviewed notable guests such as Dr. Temple Grandin, multiple WWE wrestlers, NASCAR drivers, and American Idol rocker James Durbin. Beyond podcasting, Sam speaks at conferences across the U.S. and Canada, organizes community events such as his “Success for All and How We Get There” gala, and trains businesses on employment and autism. Together with his mother, Gina, he is also co‑authoring a children’s book that is currently with a publisher. Connect with Sam Mitchell     Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>0d95a852-3a23-4018-a9f5-6ed7f25077b0Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Sam Mitchell, autistic creator and host of Autism Rocks and Rolls, to talk about autism advocacy, identity, and why special interests can be a gift, not something to erase. Sam shares how years of bullying, depression, and...
  • How bullying and exclusion shaped Sam’s early experience
  • Why podcasting became a creative and personal turning point
  • The reality of autism, ADHD, autistic burnout, and social exhaustion
  • How special interests can become strengths
  • How speaking gigs and social interaction can drain an autistic person’s energy
  • Autism, ADHD, sleep, and the constant challenge of trying to power down a busy brain
  • Why deficit-based autism support falls short for autistic kids and adults
  • What schools and support systems often miss about autistic strengths and support needs
  • The value of family support, gratitude, and self-belief
  • How Autism Rocks and Rolls is creating awareness through speaking, events, and media
    • Quotes
    • "Hang in there because greatness is arriving. You just may not see it yet, but it’s going to come to you."
    • "For one day, screw the deficiencies. Let’s focus on the positive aspects."
    • "After the speaking engagements, I’m exhausted, man. People are exhausting."
    About Sam Mitchell Sam Mitchell is the creator and host of the podcast and nonprofit Autism Rocks and Rolls. What started as a high‑school hobby has grown into a nonprofit where Sam serves as Executive Director. Through his show, live events, and educational content, Sam works to destigmatize autism, challenge deficit‑based language, and highlight the talents and skills of people on the spectrum. He has recorded well over 100 episodes, been a guest on hundreds of shows, and interviewed notable guests such as Dr. Temple Grandin, multiple WWE wrestlers, NASCAR drivers, and American Idol rocker James Durbin. Beyond podcasting, Sam speaks at conferences across the U.S. and Canada, organizes community events such as his “Success for All and How We Get There” gala, and trains businesses on employment and autism. Together with his mother, Gina, he is also co‑authoring a children’s book that is currently with a publisher. Connect with Sam Mitchell Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them...]]>    1784adhd,autism,autism awareness speaker,autism nonprofit events,autism routine changes meltdow,autism sleep problems,autistic advocate,disability advocacy,family support,gratitude,introversion and autism,navigating social struggles as,person centered support,podcasting,sam mitchell autism,solutions for autism meltdowns,special education,strength based iep approach,trauma,why special interests matter ifalse33full    Ghost In The Meat Suit: An AuDHD Tale of Depression and Outlasting Apathyhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ghost-in-the-meat-suit-an-audhd-tale-of-depression-and-outlasting-apathy--72222260
  • The difference between passive and active suicidal ideation
  • How autistic compartmentalization allows access to painful memories without emotional overwhelm
  • Why the first thought isn't your responsibility — but the second one is
  • Mono no aware, the transience of pain, and sitting with impermanence
  • Using art, media, and small milestones as reasons to stay
  • Why telling someone "all the reasons they have to live" backfires
  • The danger of easy access to lethal means in impulsive moments
  • Masking, self-hatred, and the feedback loop of depression and neurodivergence
  • Finding self-worth through peer support instead of external validation
  • Mental Health First Aid as a practical resource for anyone
    • Quotes:
    • "I always felt out of frequency. That's what I've always called it. I was in a different frequency than everybody else. I'm now looking back — I'm AuDHD, of course I'm out of frequency with everybody else around me."
    • "Don't remind them of all the reasons they have to live, because you have ruined any chance of trying to connect with them at that point. Trust me, they are already kind of aware of all of that."
    • "I needed to get serious about using the information and feelings that I had put towards other people for so long."
    • "Everyone already kind of knows what they need. They just sometimes need a little bit of help — like that ghost that's inside of them that knows the advice they need to hear."
    Resources: Connect with Mike: Trigger Warnings & Timestamps
    This episode contains frank, personal discussions of the following topics. Timestamps are provided so listeners can skip specific sections if needed.
    • Suicidal Ideation & Attempts — [00:06:37] – [00:14:00] Mike describes his history with suicide attempts including methods (discussed broadly)
    • Self-Harm — [00:12:14] – [00:13:32] Discussion of self-harm behaviors including hair pulling, hitting, and the evolution of those behaviors into current coping/stimming strategies
    • Gun Access & Impulsive Attempt — [00:09:38] – [00:11:00] Detailed account of Mike's 2018 attempt
    • Depression & Suicidal Thought Patterns — [00:22:29] – [00:25:32] Mike discusses ongoing depressive thought patterns
    If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, suicidal ideation, or the mental health challenges of living with autism or ADHD, you are not alone. Spark Launch exists for exactly this conversation. Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>    6ace43fd-f2fe-4d75-83f3-ceed0b10e25eFri, 29 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike opens up about his personal history with depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm as an AuDHD individual — from his earliest memories of struggling as a child to his last attempt in 2018. He and Chaya explore what it means to feel "out of...
  • The difference between passive and active suicidal ideation
  • How autistic compartmentalization allows access to painful memories without emotional overwhelm
  • Why the first thought isn't your responsibility — but the second one is
  • Mono no aware, the transience of pain, and sitting with impermanence
  • Using art, media, and small milestones as reasons to stay
  • Why telling someone "all the reasons they have to live" backfires
  • The danger of easy access to lethal means in impulsive moments
  • Masking, self-hatred, and the feedback loop of depression and neurodivergence
  • Finding self-worth through peer support instead of external validation
  • Mental Health First Aid as a practical resource for anyone
    • Quotes:
    • "I always felt out of frequency. That's what I've always called it. I was in a different frequency than everybody else. I'm now looking back — I'm AuDHD, of course I'm out of frequency with everybody else around me."
    • "Don't remind them of all the reasons they have to live, because you have ruined any chance of trying to connect with them at that point. Trust me, they are already kind of aware of all of that."
    • "I needed to get serious about using the information and feelings that I had put towards other people for so long."
    • "Everyone already kind of knows what they need. They just sometimes need a little bit of help — like that ghost that's inside of them that knows the advice they need to hear."
    Resources: Connect with Mike: Trigger Warnings & Timestamps
    This episode contains frank, personal discussions of the following topics. Timestamps are provided so listeners can skip specific sections if needed.
    • Suicidal Ideation & Attempts — [00:06:37] – [00:14:00] Mike describes his history with suicide attempts including methods (discussed broadly)
    • Self-Harm — [00:12:14] – [00:13:32] Discussion of self-harm behaviors including hair pulling, hitting, and the evolution of those behaviors into current coping/stimming strategies
    • Gun Access & Impulsive Attempt — [00:09:38] – [00:11:00] Detailed account of Mike's 2018 attempt
    • Depression & Suicidal Thought Patterns — [00:22:29] – [00:25:32] Mike discusses ongoing depressive thought patterns
    If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, suicidal ideation,...]]>    2625adhd and suicidal ideation,audhd,autism and depression,autism compartmentalization,depression and neurodivergence,emotional numbness adhd,feeling out of frequency,how to help someone who is sui,mental health first aid,mono no aware mental health,neurodivergent mental health,neurodivergent self-worth,peer support mental health,self-harm autism,suicidal ideation coping stratfalse32full    Balancing Brains: ADHD Integration and Innovation w/ Stéphane Mousseauhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/balancing-brains-adhd-integration-and-innovation-w-stephane-mousseau--72111744
  • Why ADHD brains are wired to reject clunky systems — and what that actually reveals about the system, not the person
  • The interest-based nervous system and how motivation works differently for neurodivergent minds
  • Social integration at work: the overlooked onboarding factor that makes or breaks belonging for neurodivergent employees
  • Psychological safety, trust, and why having a friend across the hall matters more than we admit
  • Why hot desks are quietly destroying workplace connection
  • How leaders can move from “DEI statements” to actual neuro-inclusive leadership standards
  • How LIX Learning helps learning teams build clearer, more trustworthy courses for all minds
  • Why so many ADHD entrepreneurs go independent — creative freedom, or a rejection response to systems that never fit?
    • Quotes:
    • "Clarity helps all minds. Whatever they do for neurodivergent talent is just bringing more clarity into the workplace — and it's beneficial for everyone." — Stéphane
    • "We are not broken. We have so much more to offer. Don't put us into a box." — Chaya
    • "A lot of entrepreneurs have ADHD, right? Is it because ADHD people are so creative? Or is it because that's the response to not being fully accepted in a typical workplace?" — Stéphane
    About Stéphane Mousseau: Stéphane is a learning strategist who focuses on clarity, accessibility, and how people actually experience work and learning. After years in corporate roles, ADHD was sometimes a challenge within systems that prized speed, ambiguity, and unspoken expectations. Rather than seeing this as a personal limitation, it became a signal. Instead of masking ADHD, Stéphane leaned into it and used it as fuel to question how learning and work are designed in the first place. That experience led him to develop practical approaches for improving learning clarity and reducing cognitive overload. His work helps organizations evaluate how usable, accessible, and action-oriented their learning experiences really are, and redesign them so people can actually apply what they learn. Alongside this, he facilitates neuro-inclusive leadership workshops, supporting leaders in creating clearer expectations, workflows, and communication practices that better support neurodivergent employees while improving performance and psychological safety across teams. Connect with Stéphane Mousseau: Recommended Reading: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>    7d8656ee-88ae-4c0f-acf0-a3d9cf486a9aFri, 22 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Stéphane Mousseau, learning strategist and founder of LIX Learning, a framework designed to bring clarity, trust, and neuro-inclusive design to the world of digital course creation. Stéphane opens up about his own ADHD,...
  • Why ADHD brains are wired to reject clunky systems — and what that actually reveals about the system, not the person
  • The interest-based nervous system and how motivation works differently for neurodivergent minds
  • Social integration at work: the overlooked onboarding factor that makes or breaks belonging for neurodivergent employees
  • Psychological safety, trust, and why having a friend across the hall matters more than we admit
  • Why hot desks are quietly destroying workplace connection
  • How leaders can move from “DEI statements” to actual neuro-inclusive leadership standards
  • How LIX Learning helps learning teams build clearer, more trustworthy courses for all minds
  • Why so many ADHD entrepreneurs go independent — creative freedom, or a rejection response to systems that never fit?
    • Quotes:
    • "Clarity helps all minds. Whatever they do for neurodivergent talent is just bringing more clarity into the workplace — and it's beneficial for everyone." — Stéphane
    • "We are not broken. We have so much more to offer. Don't put us into a box." — Chaya
    • "A lot of entrepreneurs have ADHD, right? Is it because ADHD people are so creative? Or is it because that's the response to not being fully accepted in a typical workplace?" — Stéphane
    About Stéphane Mousseau: Stéphane is a learning strategist who focuses on clarity, accessibility, and how people actually experience work and learning. After years in corporate roles, ADHD was sometimes a challenge within systems that prized speed, ambiguity, and unspoken expectations. Rather than seeing this as a personal limitation, it became a signal. Instead of masking ADHD, Stéphane leaned into it and used it as fuel to question how learning and work are designed in the first place. That experience led him to develop practical approaches for improving learning clarity and reducing cognitive overload. His work helps organizations evaluate how usable, accessible, and action-oriented their learning experiences really are, and redesign them so people can actually apply what they learn. Alongside this, he facilitates neuro-inclusive leadership workshops, supporting leaders in creating clearer expectations, workflows, and communication practices that better support neurodivergent employees while improving performance and psychological safety across teams. Connect with Stéphane Mousseau: Recommended Reading: Quotes:"The way I see, perceive, behave, understand, and live in this world is based on what I view as my brain's culture and way of being, and that doesn't mean I'm deficient. It just means it's different and different really is beautiful.""If we looked at sex truly as a sacred energy exchange, I do have to wonder if... people would just be mindlessly swiping left and right and allowing people's energy into their being, because it does impact who we are.""You are a bright light and to not let anyone dim your light... people will try to, and just to shine love and shine light. And because that wins always, it always wins.""The efforts to remain what you are is actually what limits us. But if you give into constant evolution... there's no expiration date to that. We can continue evolving until the end.""We don't have to hold on to the pain. And we can learn to love ourselves constantly by even doing little things. It doesn't have to be a big, huge purpose."About Candice Christiansen:Candice Christiansen, LCMHC, CSAT-S, CMAT, Neuro-Inclusive IFS, Certified EMDR, and Psychedelic Assisted Therapist (PAT), is the Founder and Clinical Director of Namasté Center For Healing. A trauma-informed care and neurodiversity expert, she supports individuals and couples facing complex mental health challenges from intimate partner violence and betrayal. With over 25 years of experience working with neurologically different children, teens, and adults, Candice offers neuro-affirmative screenings, consultations, and training to professionals at institutions like Yale, Harvard, Seeking Integrity Los Angeles, and IITAP Arizona. She has served as an expert witness in state and federal courts advocating for neuro-affirmative legal care for autistic individuals. Her publications include Mastering the Trauma Wound (2016), Compassionate KAP (2024), and a co-authored chapter in Altogether Us (2023).   In 2023, she and Aly Dearborn, LMFT, developed a gender-inclusive autism screening tool identifying traits common in autistic females and non-binary adults. Her relationship insights have appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune, Talkspace.com, and on Fox 13’s The Place. She served five years on the Division of Professional Licensing Substance Use Disorder Board and on the UMHCA Board, and her work emphasizes resilience and healing through integration of lived experience, empowering individuals and professionals with tools to navigate mental health challenges.Connect with Candice: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>6bc26142-4694-439d-97d9-60f10f43857bFri, 24 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchIn the season finale of season 2, Mike and Chaya sit down with Candice Christiansen, a leading voice at the intersection of neurodiversity, trauma, and intimacy, for a conversation that gets existential—and a little bit weird. The three explore the...
  • Candice's journey as a late-diagnosed autistic person
  • The intricate connection between sensory experiences and sexuality
  • Defining and embracing the concept of "neuroculture"
  • Why autistic individuals are so vulnerable to trauma and abuse
  • Challenging stereotypes that infantilize and desexualize autistic adults
  • The idea of sex as a sacred energy exchange
  • Using intuition as a tool for protection and setting boundaries
  • What forgiveness really means
  • Navigating a world that often tries to stifle authentic expression
    • Quotes:"The way I see, perceive, behave, understand, and live in this world is based on what I view as my brain's culture and way of being, and that doesn't mean I'm deficient. It just means it's different and different really is beautiful.""If we looked at sex truly as a sacred energy exchange, I do have to wonder if... people would just be mindlessly swiping left and right and allowing people's energy into their being, because it does impact who we are.""You are a bright light and to not let anyone dim your light... people will try to, and just to shine love and shine light. And because that wins always, it always wins.""The efforts to remain what you are is actually what limits us. But if you give into constant evolution... there's no expiration date to that. We can continue evolving until the end.""We don't have to hold on to the pain. And we can learn to love ourselves constantly by even doing little things. It doesn't have to be a big, huge purpose."About Candice Christiansen:Candice Christiansen, LCMHC, CSAT-S, CMAT, Neuro-Inclusive IFS, Certified EMDR, and Psychedelic Assisted Therapist (PAT), is the Founder and Clinical Director of Namasté Center For Healing. A trauma-informed care and neurodiversity expert, she supports individuals and couples facing complex mental health challenges from intimate partner violence and betrayal. With over 25 years of experience working with neurologically different children, teens, and adults, Candice offers neuro-affirmative screenings, consultations, and training to professionals at institutions like Yale, Harvard, Seeking Integrity Los Angeles, and IITAP Arizona. She has served as an expert witness in state and federal courts advocating for neuro-affirmative legal care for autistic individuals. Her publications include Mastering the Trauma Wound (2016), Compassionate KAP (2024), and a co-authored chapter in Altogether Us (2023).   In 2023, she and Aly Dearborn, LMFT, developed a gender-inclusive autism screening tool identifying traits common in autistic females and non-binary adults. Her relationship insights have appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune, Talkspace.com, and on Fox 13’s The Place. She served five years on the Division of Professional Licensing Substance Use Disorder Board and on the UMHCA Board, and her work emphasizes resilience and healing through integration of lived experience, empowering individuals and professionals with tools to navigate mental health challenges.Connect with Candice: Join the...]]>    2870autism,autism and sex,autism and trauma,candice christiansen autism se,chakra,energy,finding authenticity as a neur,forgiving yourself,how does autism affect sexuali,intimacy,neuro-affirmative care for cou,neuroculture,neurodivergent intimacy,sacred chakra,self-love,sensory experience,the concept of neuroculture in,trauma,trusting intuition,why are autistic people vulnerfalse220full    Montessori Magic: How Freedom-Based Learning Supports ADHD and Autistic Children w/ Rupali Sharmahttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/montessori-magic-how-freedom-based-learning-supports-adhd-and-autistic-children-w-rupali-sharma--68175940
  • The philosophy behind Think, Explore, Create and its connection to child development
  • Freedom within boundaries as the foundation of Montessori learning for neurodivergent kids
  • Why sensory-based, hands-on materials unlock potential in ADHD and autistic learners
  • The critical triangle: teacher, student, and prepared environment working in partnership
  • How neurodivergent children flourish when given time, space, and respect
  • Observation as the teacher's most powerful tool for individualized learning plans
  • Supporting hyperfocus in ADHD children and channeling special interests into learning
  • The spiritual preparation of the Montessori teacher and why mindset matters for inclusive classrooms
  • Transitioning Montessori students to traditional school settings while preserving self-advocacy
  • Why creativity needs freedom from adult judgment to blossom in neurodiverse learners
  • Montessori as an alternative to traditional IEP-focused education
  • How parents can support Montessori principles at home with neurodivergent children
    • Quotes:"Children are very different from adults. They like to be engaged in activity that is driven by their interest, not driven by the teacher's interest, but by their own interest.""I don't really think being neurodivergent is something new. It's always existed throughout history. It's just that what environment are we forcing people into nowadays?""When they are an adult, all of this is going to be behind them. They're going to be successful no matter what. It's while they are under our care, it's our job to give them the environment where they can thrive and not be felt that, oh, I'm not right or I'm not fitting in somehow.""Often people say to me, what if they leave Montessori and go to the real world? Montessori is the real world. We teach them to advocate for themselves. We teach them to be confident. We actually show them what they're capable of in their highest potential."About Rupali Sharma:Rupali Sharma is the Founder and Director of The T.E.C. Schools, established in Worcester, MA in 2016. With a background in architecture and training as a Montessori educator, she is passionate about blending authentic Montessori principles with a modern STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) integrated curriculum. Her vision centers on nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, preparing children to think independently, explore ideas, and build the skills their future will demand. She launched her education career with Imagination Unbound, an initiative designed to lay early foundations for creative thinking and to empower both children and educators to become bold explorers in the learning process.Connect with Rupali:Related Reading:The T.E.C. School is located at:
    15 Jamesbury Dr.
    Worcester, MA 01609 Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>    774742ea-07ba-4246-b134-91eb3cb0ca8dFri, 17 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Rupali Sharma, founder and director of The T.E.C. Schools in Worcester, Massachusetts, who shares her journey from architecture to Montessori education, revealing how autonomy, observation, and child-centered learning...
  • The philosophy behind Think, Explore, Create and its connection to child development
  • Freedom within boundaries as the foundation of Montessori learning for neurodivergent kids
  • Why sensory-based, hands-on materials unlock potential in ADHD and autistic learners
  • The critical triangle: teacher, student, and prepared environment working in partnership
  • How neurodivergent children flourish when given time, space, and respect
  • Observation as the teacher's most powerful tool for individualized learning plans
  • Supporting hyperfocus in ADHD children and channeling special interests into learning
  • The spiritual preparation of the Montessori teacher and why mindset matters for inclusive classrooms
  • Transitioning Montessori students to traditional school settings while preserving self-advocacy
  • Why creativity needs freedom from adult judgment to blossom in neurodiverse learners
  • Montessori as an alternative to traditional IEP-focused education
  • How parents can support Montessori principles at home with neurodivergent children
    • Quotes:"Children are very different from adults. They like to be engaged in activity that is driven by their interest, not driven by the teacher's interest, but by their own interest.""I don't really think being neurodivergent is something new. It's always existed throughout history. It's just that what environment are we forcing people into nowadays?""When they are an adult, all of this is going to be behind them. They're going to be successful no matter what. It's while they are under our care, it's our job to give them the environment where they can thrive and not be felt that, oh, I'm not right or I'm not fitting in somehow.""Often people say to me, what if they leave Montessori and go to the real world? Montessori is the real world. We teach them to advocate for themselves. We teach them to be confident. We actually show them what they're capable of in their highest potential."About Rupali Sharma:Rupali Sharma is the Founder and Director of The T.E.C. Schools, established in Worcester, MA in 2016. With a background in architecture and training as a Montessori educator, she is passionate about blending authentic Montessori principles with a modern STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) integrated curriculum. Her vision centers on nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, preparing children to think independently, explore ideas, and build the skills their future will demand. She launched her education career with Imagination Unbound, an initiative designed to lay early foundations for creative thinking and to empower both children and educators to become bold explorers in the learning process.Connect with Rupali:Quotes:"I wore my diagnosis like a badge of honor. Embracing who I am allowed me to communicate authentically—something I never had before.""Knowledge is key to the universe. When we put it in the right hands, at the right time, it's a platform for belonging and growth.""The best tech doesn't replace humans; it empowers us to be irreplaceable. If we thrive, so does everyone around us."About Derek Crager:Derek Crager is a neurodivergent entrepreneur, voice-first AI strategist, and the founder of Practical AI and the community hub AIforAutistics.com. With a background in industrial reliability and training, Derek spent decades feeling misunderstood in professional environments. At age 50, a late diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia provided a new lens through which to view his life and career, explaining his innate ability for pattern recognition and systems thinking.This personal journey became the catalyst for his professional mission. His flagship product, Pocket Mentor, is the world's first voice-based AI mentor designed for hands-free, real-time industrial support. It addresses the critical problem of "tribal knowledge" loss—where valuable expertise disappears when a key employee leaves—by transforming that knowledge into an on-demand, scalable resource accessible through a simple phone call, with no app or login required.Through AIforAutistics.com, Derek creates a space where neurodivergent individuals can harness AI to create, earn, and build sustainable, independent lives. He is a passionate advocate for inclusion through innovation, blending emotional vulnerability with deep technological insight to empower a community where difference is a strategic advantage.Connect with Derek: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>d482a558-c7ed-43c3-92b1-de88a2cb2ed9Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Derek Crager to discuss his journey of being late-diagnosed AuDHDer, how embracing his neurodivergence led him from the manufacturing floor to building transformative accessible AI tools for the neurodivergent community,...
  • How receiving his autism and ADHD diagnosis brought self-acceptance and reshaped Derek's career
  • Why "prompt engineering" might actually be a neurodivergence superpower
  • The story behind PracticalAI and creating voice-first solutions that are judgment-free
  • Making information accessible without internet or apps
  • Building workplace inclusion into tech from the ground up
  • The "one size fits one" philosophy versus one-size-fits-all systems
  • Advice for neurodivergent entrepreneurs on building teams and leveraging community
  • Why certification and trust matter in assistive technology
  • Derek's advice for his younger self and anyone feeling out of place
    • Quotes:"I wore my diagnosis like a badge of honor. Embracing who I am allowed me to communicate authentically—something I never had before.""Knowledge is key to the universe. When we put it in the right hands, at the right time, it's a platform for belonging and growth.""The best tech doesn't replace humans; it empowers us to be irreplaceable. If we thrive, so does everyone around us."About Derek Crager:Derek Crager is a neurodivergent entrepreneur, voice-first AI strategist, and the founder of Practical AI and the community hub AIforAutistics.com. With a background in industrial reliability and training, Derek spent decades feeling misunderstood in professional environments. At age 50, a late diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia provided a new lens through which to view his life and career, explaining his innate ability for pattern recognition and systems thinking.This personal journey became the catalyst for his professional mission. His flagship product, Pocket Mentor, is the world's first voice-based AI mentor designed for hands-free, real-time industrial support. It addresses the critical problem of "tribal knowledge" loss—where valuable expertise disappears when a key employee leaves—by transforming that knowledge into an on-demand, scalable resource accessible through a simple phone call, with no app or login required.Through AIforAutistics.com, Derek creates a space where neurodivergent individuals can harness AI to create, earn, and build sustainable, independent lives. He is a passionate advocate for inclusion through innovation, blending emotional vulnerability with deep technological insight to empower a community where difference is a strategic advantage.Connect with Derek: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay...]]>    2944accessible knowledge transfer ,adhd,assistive ai solutions,autism,autistic innovation community,community,conversational ai,diagnosis,human-centered technology for ,innovator interview,leadership,learning,neurodivergent superpower prom,personal growth,practicalai,practical ai,spiky profiles,voice interface,voice-interface,workplace inclusionfalse218full    How Generational Trauma Shapes Your Life w/ Anu Dayal-Gulatihttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-generational-trauma-shapes-your-life-w-anu-dayal-gulati--67996940
  • Identifying recurring emotional and situational patterns.
  • The intersection of generational trauma and neurodiversity.
  • The impact of childhood, parenting, and societal pressure.
  • Reclaiming personal power through healthy boundaries.
  • The true meaning of forgiveness for personal closure.
  • Healing practices like creating an ancestral altar and journaling.
  • Finding support and nurturance outside of family dynamics.
  • Anu’s journey from economist to ancestral healing.
    • Quotes:"One of the ways in which the universe speaks to us is through patterns.""Forgiveness is actually just letting go of the expectation that someone... is going to say sorry, going to make amends, going to recognize what you've gone through.""When you cut your chains, you free yourself. When you cut your roots, you die."About Anuradha Dayal-Gulati:Anu Dayal-Gulati, Ph.D is an ancestral healing practitioner, certified flower essence therapist, and author of the book Heal Your Ancestral Roots: Release the Family Patterns That Hold You Back. She specializes in helping clients recognize and break deep-seated ancestral patterns to foster healing and reconnection with their personal energy. Combining her 15 years in finance and academia with a holistic, spiritual approach, Dr. Anu bridges analytical perspectives with intuitive emotional healing practices.Dr. Anu has guided clients for over a decade, offering private sessions with customized flower essence blends, workshops, online courses, and speaking engagements that empower individuals to set boundaries, release limiting beliefs, and discover self-growth. Her compassionate and accessible approach has earned her international recognition.Connect with Anu: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>    64a4a57d-72df-4d8a-b9c0-44a0e73ca022Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Anu Dayal-Gulati, a certified ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how inherited emotional patterns can create subconscious blocks in our lives. Anu explains how everything from our relationships to our finances can...
  • Identifying recurring emotional and situational patterns.
  • The intersection of generational trauma and neurodiversity.
  • The impact of childhood, parenting, and societal pressure.
  • Reclaiming personal power through healthy boundaries.
  • The true meaning of forgiveness for personal closure.
  • Healing practices like creating an ancestral altar and journaling.
  • Finding support and nurturance outside of family dynamics.
  • Anu’s journey from economist to ancestral healing.
    • Quotes:"One of the ways in which the universe speaks to us is through patterns.""Forgiveness is actually just letting go of the expectation that someone... is going to say sorry, going to make amends, going to recognize what you've gone through.""When you cut your chains, you free yourself. When you cut your roots, you die."About Anuradha Dayal-Gulati:Anu Dayal-Gulati, Ph.D is an ancestral healing practitioner, certified flower essence therapist, and author of the book Heal Your Ancestral Roots: Release the Family Patterns That Hold You Back. She specializes in helping clients recognize and break deep-seated ancestral patterns to foster healing and reconnection with their personal energy. Combining her 15 years in finance and academia with a holistic, spiritual approach, Dr. Anu bridges analytical perspectives with intuitive emotional healing practices.Dr. Anu has guided clients for over a decade, offering private sessions with customized flower essence blends, workshops, online courses, and speaking engagements that empower individuals to set boundaries, release limiting beliefs, and discover self-growth. Her compassionate and accessible approach has earned her international recognition.Connect with Anu: Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Quotes:
    • "There's no such thing as mistakes in art. It's all a matter of what you turn it into... You can just switch and say there's no such thing as mistakes in life. It's all a matter of what you turn this into."
    • "The main modality of humankind is artistic expression in some way... forming your personality, all that is actually a form of artistic expression because you are taking experiences, things that happened, beliefs you've built, values you hold dear, and using it to build yourself, using it to transform yourself over time." 
    • "The very first thing that they say to me is, 'I don't have a creative bone in my body.' ... And that phrase is almost like permission for them to be little kids again."
    About Diana Stelin:Diana Stelin is an award-winning educator, artist, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy, with degrees from Cornell and Boston University and a signature free-flowing painting style rooted in mindfulness and emotional expression. Her recent focus is on delivering transformative workshops for corporate teams, teens, and children, using her proprietary SPARK method to address burnout, support emotional growth, and guide participants through periods of transition. A former TEDx speaker, Diana shared her talk Creativity as Antidote to Burnout, highlighting the power of art to build resilience and help individuals reconnect with their inner clarity and sense of purpose. Her Coolidge Corner gallery serves as both a showcase for sustainability-driven art and a dynamic venue for youth programming, team-building events, and leadership retreats—helping kids, teens, and adults tap into creativity as a powerful tool for healing, connection, and personal transformation.Connect with Diana:    Diana's TEDx Talk, "Creativity as an Antidote to Burnout": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCnQqpZlCS4 As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>9422b3c4-ddde-4474-ada8-18f278526247Fri, 26 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Diana Stelin, an award-winning artist, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy. Diana shares her journey and expertise on the connection between art and emotional healing, explaining how anyone can...
  • Art therapy as an accessible tool for emotional expression.
  • The impact of childhood criticism on creativity and how to reclaim your inner artist.
  • The SPARK Method: Stay present, Pay attention, Allow play, Release the outcome, and be Kind to yourself.
  • Using creative outlets to navigate burnout, overwhelm, and life transitions.
  • Shifting from seeking external validation to cultivating internal worth.
  • Embracing accidents and imperfections.
  • How artistic expression connects us to our inner child.
    • Quotes:
    • "There's no such thing as mistakes in art. It's all a matter of what you turn it into... You can just switch and say there's no such thing as mistakes in life. It's all a matter of what you turn this into."
    • "The main modality of humankind is artistic expression in some way... forming your personality, all that is actually a form of artistic expression because you are taking experiences, things that happened, beliefs you've built, values you hold dear, and using it to build yourself, using it to transform yourself over time." 
    • "The very first thing that they say to me is, 'I don't have a creative bone in my body.' ... And that phrase is almost like permission for them to be little kids again."
    About Diana Stelin:Diana Stelin is an award-winning educator, artist, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy, with degrees from Cornell and Boston University and a signature free-flowing painting style rooted in mindfulness and emotional expression. Her recent focus is on delivering transformative workshops for corporate teams, teens, and children, using her proprietary SPARK method to address burnout, support emotional growth, and guide participants through periods of transition. A former TEDx speaker, Diana shared her talk Creativity as Antidote to Burnout, highlighting the power of art to build resilience and help individuals reconnect with their inner clarity and sense of purpose. Her Coolidge Corner gallery serves as both a showcase for sustainability-driven art and a dynamic venue for youth programming, team-building events, and leadership retreats—helping kids, teens, and adults tap into creativity as a powerful tool for healing, connection, and personal transformation.Connect with Diana:Diana's TEDx Talk, "Creativity as an Antidote to Burnout": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCnQqpZlCS4 As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    2906art for burnout,art for healing,art therapy techniques for sel,building confidence through ar,build self-trust,creative mindset,creative process,creative ways to manage burnou,dealing with burnout,emotional healing,layering,mental wellness,mindfulness,perfectionism,personal growth,self-compassion,self-love,spark,spark launch podcast diana ste,stelinfalse216full    Accommodation vs. Integration: Why Your Neuro-inclusive Program Isn't Working w/ Gabriela Tardeahttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/accommodation-vs-integration-why-your-neuro-inclusive-program-isn-t-working-w-gabriela-tardea--67819197
  • Bridging intentions and actions with culture-first audits
  • Rewriting job descriptions with clear, skill-based language
  • Practical recruitment fixes
  • Communication clarity
  • Flexible policies that adapt to context vs. blanket mandates
  • US innovation vs. Nordic structure
  • Preventing burnout and supporting recovery with autonomy, fit, and energy-aligned roles
  • Unlearning neurotypical bias, integrating strengths, and raising manager readiness
  • Aligning roles to cognitive styles, tracking innovation metrics, and making small, sticky changes
    • Quotes:
    • “Workplaces are not just boxes filled with checklists… they need to be adapted depending on the people that you have.”
    • “We do not need extraordinary action to make some changes. We just need a shift in mindset.”
    • "It's not all about learning new things. Often it's about unlearning the biases that we have."
    About Gabriela Tardea: Gabriela Tardea is a Senior Business Consultant and Neuroinclusion Advocate specializing in AI-driven HR strategies, knowledge management, and workplace equity. With certifications in HR Organizational Development and Neurodiversity Support, she pioneers frameworks for neuroinclusive leadership through her book Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity with AiLA (2023). Her "Pendulum Lifestyle" model combats neurodivergent burnout by aligning work rhythms with cognitive needs. Gabriela advises Fortune 500 companies on psychological safety and mentors neurodivergent professionals through her Adaptive Career Labs. Key affiliations include the Neurodiversity Workplace Alliance and Global DEIB Council.Connect with Gabriela:     As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:
    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.]]>03593fc4-ddbb-44e8-af45-8103da235fd8Fri, 19 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with neuro-inclusion consultant Gabriela Tardea to get practical about building workplaces where neurodivergent talent can thrive. From auditing culture and rewriting job descriptions to unlearning bias on teams, Gabriela...
  • Bridging intentions and actions with culture-first audits
  • Rewriting job descriptions with clear, skill-based language
  • Practical recruitment fixes
  • Communication clarity
  • Flexible policies that adapt to context vs. blanket mandates
  • US innovation vs. Nordic structure
  • Preventing burnout and supporting recovery with autonomy, fit, and energy-aligned roles
  • Unlearning neurotypical bias, integrating strengths, and raising manager readiness
  • Aligning roles to cognitive styles, tracking innovation metrics, and making small, sticky changes
    • Quotes:
    • “Workplaces are not just boxes filled with checklists… they need to be adapted depending on the people that you have.”
    • “We do not need extraordinary action to make some changes. We just need a shift in mindset.”
    • "It's not all about learning new things. Often it's about unlearning the biases that we have."
    About Gabriela Tardea: Gabriela Tardea is a Senior Business Consultant and Neuroinclusion Advocate specializing in AI-driven HR strategies, knowledge management, and workplace equity. With certifications in HR Organizational Development and Neurodiversity Support, she pioneers frameworks for neuroinclusive leadership through her book Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity with AiLA (2023). Her "Pendulum Lifestyle" model combats neurodivergent burnout by aligning work rhythms with cognitive needs. Gabriela advises Fortune 500 companies on psychological safety and mentors neurodivergent professionals through her Adaptive Career Labs. Key affiliations include the Neurodiversity Workplace Alliance and Global DEIB Council.Connect with Gabriela: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Quotes:
    • "Emotionally, you're constantly thinking that you're behind, that you are less than. That you're not good enough to be able to keep up with what society tells you is the norm."
    • “This is something that really began in my 40s. Immediate stress, immediate glass of wine, because that would rein in any sense of panic that I had over any situation. And so it was my go-to. It seemed perfectly fine because all of my friends were having wine at lunch."
    • “With ADHD, we're thinking about how to respond and whether or not we're going to be shamed for the response, whether it's worthy of our voice, because we've always been told to be quiet.”
    About Lisa Modur:Lisa specializes in the treatment of women, complex trauma, substance use disorder, and process addictions. Her approach is client-centered for providers and patients to help individuals and their families find solutions during moments of need. Lisa has over two decades of experience working with hospitals, physicians, mental health professionals, veteran organizations, and EAPs.Lisa attended Colorado Christian University for her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a graduate psychotherapy intern with Austin Oaks Hospital’s Women’s Wellness Program as well. She is certified in behavioral health crisis intervention, a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, and a certified Clinical Mental Health Coach.Lisa is a member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Group Psychotherapy Association, the American Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota, Chi Omega, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Outside of work, Lisa volunteers in the Austin women’s recovery community obsesses over her dogs and is a staunch UT Longhorns fan with two Longhorns of her own out of her three teenagers, Hook'Em!Connect with Lisa:     As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:]]>27051f8c-7e8b-42bc-baf4-2935d5bb5b96Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Austin psychotherapist Lisa Modur to talk about misunderstood childhood ADHD, self‑stigma, perfectionism, and how “mom‑wine culture” became a coping tool before treatment and long‑term recovery reshaped her life,...
  • ADHD and specialized schooling
  • Feeling “less than,” comparison, and confidence erosion
  • Perfectionism, over‑planning, and early motherhood
  • Coping, trauma, and seeking help
  • Integrated treatment for ADHD, women’s trauma, and SUD
  • Scripts and self‑preservation
  • Parenting without stigma
  • Social media pressure vs. executive dysfunction skills
  • Women‑specific gaps like postpartum, menopause, sober living
  • Neuroplasticity timelines, relapse risk, and daily recovery practices
    • Quotes:
    • "Emotionally, you're constantly thinking that you're behind, that you are less than. That you're not good enough to be able to keep up with what society tells you is the norm."
    • “This is something that really began in my 40s. Immediate stress, immediate glass of wine, because that would rein in any sense of panic that I had over any situation. And so it was my go-to. It seemed perfectly fine because all of my friends were having wine at lunch."
    • “With ADHD, we're thinking about how to respond and whether or not we're going to be shamed for the response, whether it's worthy of our voice, because we've always been told to be quiet.”
    About Lisa Modur:Lisa specializes in the treatment of women, complex trauma, substance use disorder, and process addictions. Her approach is client-centered for providers and patients to help individuals and their families find solutions during moments of need. Lisa has over two decades of experience working with hospitals, physicians, mental health professionals, veteran organizations, and EAPs.Lisa attended Colorado Christian University for her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a graduate psychotherapy intern with Austin Oaks Hospital’s Women’s Wellness Program as well. She is certified in behavioral health crisis intervention, a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, and a certified Clinical Mental Health Coach.Lisa is a member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Group Psychotherapy Association, the American Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota, Chi Omega, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Outside of work, Lisa volunteers in the Austin women’s recovery community obsesses over her dogs and is a staunch UT Longhorns fan with two Longhorns of her own out of her three teenagers, Hook'Em!Connect with Lisa: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Quotes:
    • "The world is designed for average people. Anything above or below it is... you don't fit. So if you don't fit, then make your own world."
    • "People only talk about the problem. But to understand the problem, you need basic common-man language."
    • "Parents need more of counseling today compared to children. Children are ready to change."
    About Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves:With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Stanford University, an M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Cambridge, and a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Delhi, Dr. Gonsalves has dedicated her career to understanding and facilitating child development through innovative therapeutic practices. Currently, she serves as the Director of Child Psychology Services at The Institute for Child Development and Play Therapy and as a Senior Play Therapist at the Child Mind Institute. She also consults for UNICEF, assisting in the development of child welfare programs. Her research focuses on the impact of play therapy on childhood trauma and emotional expression, with numerous publications in prestigious journals. Dr. Gonsalves is actively involved in public speaking, conducting workshops, and mentoring aspiring psychologists. She's a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association for Play Therapy (NAPT), and an advisor for the Child Psychology and Play Therapy Network. Away from work, Dr. Gonsalves enjoys writing, traveling, and exploring different cultures, which enriches her professional insights.Connect with Pritika:     As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:]]>198915b0-4064-4f48-8980-b99d559824e0Fri, 05 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, a child psychologist and EAP specialist, to discuss the nuances of neurodiversity and mental health from a cross-cultural perspective between India and the United States. Dr. Gonsalves shares...
  • Why using simple, accessible language is key to destigmatizing neurodiversity.
  • The societal pressures that discourage men from expressing vulnerability and seeking mental health support.
  • The importance of integrating mental health education and self-love practices into school curriculums.
  • The conflict many adults face between a high-paying job and their true passions.
  • Actionable strategies for making mental health services more accessible, especially in rural communities.
  • The concept of "brain diversity" as a tool for reframing the conversation around neurodivergence.
    • Quotes:
    • "The world is designed for average people. Anything above or below it is... you don't fit. So if you don't fit, then make your own world."
    • "People only talk about the problem. But to understand the problem, you need basic common-man language."
    • "Parents need more of counseling today compared to children. Children are ready to change."
    About Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves:With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Stanford University, an M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Cambridge, and a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Delhi, Dr. Gonsalves has dedicated her career to understanding and facilitating child development through innovative therapeutic practices. Currently, she serves as the Director of Child Psychology Services at The Institute for Child Development and Play Therapy and as a Senior Play Therapist at the Child Mind Institute. She also consults for UNICEF, assisting in the development of child welfare programs. Her research focuses on the impact of play therapy on childhood trauma and emotional expression, with numerous publications in prestigious journals. Dr. Gonsalves is actively involved in public speaking, conducting workshops, and mentoring aspiring psychologists. She's a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association for Play Therapy (NAPT), and an advisor for the Child Psychology and Play Therapy Network. Away from work, Dr. Gonsalves enjoys writing, traveling, and exploring different cultures, which enriches her professional insights.Connect with Pritika: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay...]]>    2327adhd,adhd in india,career,culture,diagnosis,family dynamics,how does culture affect adhd d,how to practice self-love and ,mental health,mental health in schools,mental health stigma,mental health support,neurodivergence in india,neurodivergent children,parenting neurodivergent child,positive psychology,self-love,societal pressure,therapy,the role of play therapy in chfalse213fullEvery Brain Belongs: Teaching The Twice-Exceptional w/ Mandi Davis Skerbetzhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/every-brain-belongs-teaching-the-twice-exceptional-w-mandi-davis-skerbetz--67551017
  • Why “gifted” doesn’t guarantee success without the right support
  • The concept of Consequence Choice
  • How Sage addresses social, emotional, and academic needs
  • Why classrooms shouldn’t look like “traditional schools” anymore
  • Tips for parents advocating for their children in non-inclusive systems
  • Why busywork and rote memorization fail neurodivergent learners—and what to do instead
  • The balance between freedom and structure in a 2e-focused classroom
  • The connection between executive functioning skills and long-term career readiness
  • How to foster authentic friendships versus just peer connections for neurodivergent students
  • How Mandi’s theory of “consequence choice” builds buy-in and confidence
  • The role of curiosity, connection, and inclusion in transforming education
    • Quotes:
    • "I want a parent to drop their kid off and know they’re getting everything they need in the same day."
    • "Kids do not need to memorize. I don't care who they are, I don't care if they're gifted, I don't care if they have a 'lower IQ.' You can Google anything. We need critical thinking skills."
    • "For kids that are super smart, super gifted, but have social emotional challenges, it's like, 'They're smart, they'll be fine.' And no, it doesn't work that way."
    About Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz:For over 20 years Mandi has worked in the field of special education including being a special education and gifted teacher. Neurodiverse students and their families have been at the heart of everything Mandi has done throughout her career. It has been her dream to have a school where students' strengths are truly enhanced and needs supported for long-term success and achievement. Dr. Skerbetz has worked in various roles at public, charter, and private schools in Dallas, TX and Pittsburgh, PA. She has taught and mentored students in the field of Special Education at Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, Southern Methodist University, and University of Pittsburgh.Connect with Dr. Skerbetz:  As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:]]>    4ffeef6b-67bb-4642-a776-75046c2109b3Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz, co-founder of Sage School of Dallas, who has dedicated her career to reshaping how we support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Skerbetz shares how she identified gaps in public,...
  • Why “gifted” doesn’t guarantee success without the right support
  • The concept of Consequence Choice
  • How Sage addresses social, emotional, and academic needs
  • Why classrooms shouldn’t look like “traditional schools” anymore
  • Tips for parents advocating for their children in non-inclusive systems
  • Why busywork and rote memorization fail neurodivergent learners—and what to do instead
  • The balance between freedom and structure in a 2e-focused classroom
  • The connection between executive functioning skills and long-term career readiness
  • How to foster authentic friendships versus just peer connections for neurodivergent students
  • How Mandi’s theory of “consequence choice” builds buy-in and confidence
  • The role of curiosity, connection, and inclusion in transforming education
    • Quotes:
    • "I want a parent to drop their kid off and know they’re getting everything they need in the same day."
    • "Kids do not need to memorize. I don't care who they are, I don't care if they're gifted, I don't care if they have a 'lower IQ.' You can Google anything. We need critical thinking skills."
    • "For kids that are super smart, super gifted, but have social emotional challenges, it's like, 'They're smart, they'll be fine.' And no, it doesn't work that way."
    About Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz:For over 20 years Mandi has worked in the field of special education including being a special education and gifted teacher. Neurodiverse students and their families have been at the heart of everything Mandi has done throughout her career. It has been her dream to have a school where students' strengths are truly enhanced and needs supported for long-term success and achievement. Dr. Skerbetz has worked in various roles at public, charter, and private schools in Dallas, TX and Pittsburgh, PA. She has taught and mentored students in the field of Special Education at Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, Southern Methodist University, and University of Pittsburgh.Connect with Dr. Skerbetz:  As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
    https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:    Quotes:
    • "I don't think the term ADHD even existed while we were growing up, so you were just a challenged child... they were like, oh, my child is a little bit disarray. They don't listen. They don't behave. You know? And I think our parents dealt with it very differently."
    • "I needed a lot more confidence. I also think I needed the strength to accept me and not be shy and hide. Because my brain just processes the world very differently and I didn't know that. I couldn't embrace it, and I think that's what I would tell anyone. It doesn't matter if they're neurodivergent or not, to be honest. Just accept the world the way you see the world is so important."
    • "And economics something about taking economics really just helped me. It was the patterns. It was the structure."
    About Priya Chanduraj:Priya Chanduraj is a visionary finance leader, transformational executive, and advocate for workplace well-being. With over 20 years of experience, she founded and is CEO of FinTeam One, an outsourced financial services firm that provides clarity and operational excellence to small and midsize businesses. Priya's innovative approach to building intuitive financial infrastructures transforms complexity into clarity, enabling sustainable growth. Her ability to blend financial acumen with systems thinking comes from living with ADHD. Leveraging her neurodivergent perspective, Priya has built cash flow forecasting models, investor readiness playbooks, and decision-making frameworks used by Fortune 500 companies, private-equity-backed firms, and high-growth startups. Her work highlights how neurodivergence can be a superpower in solving complex challenges, connecting dots, and creating scalable solutions. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Priya serves on boards and committees for education, social impact, and finance leadership, including as President of Financial Executives International (FEI) Boston, a Board of Trustees member at Regis College, and an Advisory and Finance Committee Member for The Salvation Army Greater Boston. Priya also advocates for mental health and workplace inclusivity, integrating well-being into her leadership philosophy.Connect with Priya:  As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:
    • Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
    • All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
    • ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
    • 3268adhd,burnout prevention for neurodi,business,corporate finance careers,creative problem-solving,creative problem-solving techn,entrepreneurship,how to turn adhd into a superp,leadership,managing finances with adhd,mental health support for entr,mindset,overcoming imposter syndrome w,personal development for neuro,podcast,professional development,starting a business with neuro,success,thriving with adhd,vulnerabilityfalse210fullKnowing Your Why: Capacity is Key w/ Jane Singletonhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/knowing-your-why-capacity-is-key-w-jane-singleton--67298475
    • Why understanding a child’s cognitive characteristics matters more than focusing on a label.
    • The historical context and societal biases in special education and learning support.
    • The importance of universal design for learning and making accommodations accessible for everyone.
    • How societal stigma around neurodiversity leads to miscommunication and missed opportunities.
    • Why knowing the “why” is crucial for motivation, especially for neurodivergent individuals.
    • The danger of making assumptions about what others know in relationships and the workplace.
    • How to model healthy emotional regulation and boundary setting as an adult.
    • The connection between passive decision-making and missed opportunities for growth.
    • Why teaching decision-making frameworks is essential for independence in teenagers.
    • The importance of networking and building connections for success beyond grades.
    • Why unrealistic goals and fear of failure hinder motivation and self-discovery.
    Quotes:
    • "It's really not the label, it's those cognitive characteristics. What's your work memory, processing speed? It's as much of the label as really understanding how your brain works"
    • "Can you really be cognitive efficient if you are not aware and accepting of your weaknesses?"
    • "Our capacity is limited... Emotional things and cognitive tasks drain from the same bucket, and I think people forget that."
    About Jane Singleton:Jane has over 13 years experience as an educational leader, learning specialist and collaborative work with clinical psychologists has given her a unique understanding of cognitive and emotional profiles. She is the founder and executive coach at Launchpad for life, LLC and helps clients build awareness around strengths and areas of growth. She specializes in identifying root causes of motivation, self-esteem and communication difficulties. She is a certified ICF executive coach. She has created engaging presentations for diverse institutions on topics such as building cognitive efficiency, growing and maintaining self-esteem and motivation, effective communication and building decision-making frameworks.Connect with Jane: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:]]>60e43a79-dfd8-4a3f-9e53-47ebf5ffc1abFri, 08 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Jane Singleton, a learning specialist, executive coach, and founder of Launchpad for Life. With over a decade of experience in education, Jane shares how her early experiences advocating for people with disabilities...
  • Why understanding a child’s cognitive characteristics matters more than focusing on a label.
  • The historical context and societal biases in special education and learning support.
  • The importance of universal design for learning and making accommodations accessible for everyone.
  • How societal stigma around neurodiversity leads to miscommunication and missed opportunities.
  • Why knowing the “why” is crucial for motivation, especially for neurodivergent individuals.
  • The danger of making assumptions about what others know in relationships and the workplace.
  • How to model healthy emotional regulation and boundary setting as an adult.
  • The connection between passive decision-making and missed opportunities for growth.
  • Why teaching decision-making frameworks is essential for independence in teenagers.
  • The importance of networking and building connections for success beyond grades.
  • Why unrealistic goals and fear of failure hinder motivation and self-discovery.
    • Quotes:
    • "It's really not the label, it's those cognitive characteristics. What's your work memory, processing speed? It's as much of the label as really understanding how your brain works"
    • "Can you really be cognitive efficient if you are not aware and accepting of your weaknesses?"
    • "Our capacity is limited... Emotional things and cognitive tasks drain from the same bucket, and I think people forget that."
    About Jane Singleton:Jane has over 13 years experience as an educational leader, learning specialist and collaborative work with clinical psychologists has given her a unique understanding of cognitive and emotional profiles. She is the founder and executive coach at Launchpad for life, LLC and helps clients build awareness around strengths and areas of growth. She specializes in identifying root causes of motivation, self-esteem and communication difficulties. She is a certified ICF executive coach. She has created engaging presentations for diverse institutions on topics such as building cognitive efficiency, growing and maintaining self-esteem and motivation, effective communication and building decision-making frameworks.Connect with Jane: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Quotes:
    • "A lot of women my age are just now realizing that they are neurodivergent, and they need these safe spaces to talk about the discovery journey."
    • "Storytelling is huge because if you're able to create a narrative that explains your decision making in your career, that really helps people to relate to why it seems like all these disparate connections are being made."
    • "I turned out to be a perfectionist, honestly, from that environment. And then as an adult, speaking to therapists, they've talked to me about the downsides of being a perfectionist and being hypervigilant about your behaviors."
    About LaToya Hinton:Dr. LaToya Hinton is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging Thought Leader and a champion for Neurodivergent Women Leaders. She is a late-realized and diagnosed Dyspraxic Dyscalculic AuDHDer who is Gifted. In May 2024, she created a LinkedIn Group called “Neurodivergent Women Leaders: Creative Mentorship & Support.” She creates a weekly poll for ND women leaders, coaches and mentors focusing on anything from mental health to people-centered leadership styles and best practices. She holds a PhD in Education and has held roles as instructional designer, educator, facilitator, director of communications and research. She currently serves as a freelance grant writer and data analytics consultant. Connect with LaToya:    https://www.linkedin.com/company/toy-bird-positive-impact-funding/ As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:]]>15e77c0a-dc9f-4fbc-b560-4a84acc36878Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Dr. LaToya Hinton, an autistic, ADHDer, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent women in leadership. With her experiences as a late-diagnosed adult, LaToya dives into the mental toll of masking, perfectionism, and how...
  • The mental toll of masking, hypervigilance, and perfectionism in late-diagnosed women
  • Why creating safe spaces helps neurodivergent leaders flourish both personally and professionally
  • How LaToya’s self-discovery journey led her to advocating for community-building and systemic change
  • Specific strategies for delegation to preserve energy and create consistency in leadership
  • The power of identifying trauma caused by inaccessible environments—and working to heal from it
  • How neurodivergent women can embrace self-accommodation to navigate traditional work settings
  • The role of mentorship and peer support networks in empowering women to embrace their authenticity
  • Advocacy for health equity, access, and truly inclusive spaces for neurodivergent adults
  • Why leadership needs a human-first approach—and how rejecting "numbers-first" cultures prevents burnout
    • Quotes:
    • "A lot of women my age are just now realizing that they are neurodivergent, and they need these safe spaces to talk about the discovery journey."
    • "Storytelling is huge because if you're able to create a narrative that explains your decision making in your career, that really helps people to relate to why it seems like all these disparate connections are being made."
    • "I turned out to be a perfectionist, honestly, from that environment. And then as an adult, speaking to therapists, they've talked to me about the downsides of being a perfectionist and being hypervigilant about your behaviors."
    About LaToya Hinton:Dr. LaToya Hinton is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging Thought Leader and a champion for Neurodivergent Women Leaders. She is a late-realized and diagnosed Dyspraxic Dyscalculic AuDHDer who is Gifted. In May 2024, she created a LinkedIn Group called “Neurodivergent Women Leaders: Creative Mentorship & Support.” She creates a weekly poll for ND women leaders, coaches and mentors focusing on anything from mental health to people-centered leadership styles and best practices. She holds a PhD in Education and has held roles as instructional designer, educator, facilitator, director of communications and research. She currently serves as a freelance grant writer and data analytics consultant. Connect with LaToya:https://www.linkedin.com/company/toy-bird-positive-impact-funding/ As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:
    • Website: 3033accommodations,authenticity,boundaries burnout,collective support networks fo,empowerment,how neurodivergent women can t,how to advocate for neurodiver,leadership,leadership accommodations,leadership coaching,masking challenges,mental health and burnout,neurodivergent community,neurodivergent empowerment,neurodiversity at work,perfectionism,perfectionism adhd,self-accommodation for neurodi,self-accommodation strategies ,setting boundaries to prevent false26fullYour Child Isn’t Giving You a Hard Time, They’re Having a Hard Time w/ Christian Vinceneuxhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/your-child-isn-t-giving-you-a-hard-time-they-re-having-a-hard-time-w-christian-vinceneux--67109129
    • Growing up with ADHD before the term was widely known
    • The imperative need for societal acknowledgements
    • Key lessons Christian learned from his neurodivergent father about regulation
    • Why it’s essential to understand “your child’s not giving you a hard time—they’re having a hard time”
    • Common household struggles like transitions and hyperactivity, and how to guide kids through them
    • Why punitive approaches don’t work and how to build empowering, relationship-based solutions
    • How self-regulation in parents cascades into growth for their children
    • Practical tools for helping kids advocate for their needs (even before they fully understand them)
    • How social media has broadened the conversation around neurodivergence
    Quotes:
    • "If you if you believe your child is giving you a hard time, then, of course, you're gonna be more likely to look at things from a compliance standpoint and from a punitive standpoint. You need to stop doing this, period."
    • "A very common response is to tell the child, 'you just need to calm down.' Well, the problem with that is that the child has no idea why they're doing the things that they're doing. They have no idea why their body is hyper. Nobody's explained it to them. Teachers won't explain it to them, pediatricians won't explain it to them, and the kid has no idea how to calm their body."
    • "Often when I work with parents, they realize that they're not self-regulating the best they can. They have an opportunity to learn about their own self-regulation and how the nervous system is operating under challenging conditions. So, often, it's that symbiotic exchange with helping your child learn how to self-regulate gives you the opportunity to learn as a parent."
    About Christian VinceneuxChristian Vinceneux's childhood was marked by a blend of shyness, distractibility, profound imagination, and deep empathy, often leading to conflicting feedback from teachers who recognized his giftedness yet noted his unfulfilled potential. Growing up in a neurodiverse family, he developed a keen awareness of sensory influences and adaptive behaviors. This personal history, combined with his later realization of his own neurodivergence, profoundly shaped his path toward working with neurodivergent individuals. He understands the challenges of navigating a world that often misunderstands neurodiversity and is committed to fostering acceptance and growth. Vinceneux's personal development and professional journey are deeply intertwined, fueling his passionate and empathetic approach to his work.Connect with Christian As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:]]>81f93af8-9034-4c07-b36d-1b1fd527d4a7Fri, 25 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Christian Vinceneux, ADHD advocate, coach (Life Guide Coaching), and former occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience working with neurodivergent families. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Christian...
  • Growing up with ADHD before the term was widely known
  • The imperative need for societal acknowledgements
  • Key lessons Christian learned from his neurodivergent father about regulation
  • Why it’s essential to understand “your child’s not giving you a hard time—they’re having a hard time”
  • Common household struggles like transitions and hyperactivity, and how to guide kids through them
  • Why punitive approaches don’t work and how to build empowering, relationship-based solutions
  • How self-regulation in parents cascades into growth for their children
  • Practical tools for helping kids advocate for their needs (even before they fully understand them)
  • How social media has broadened the conversation around neurodivergence
    • Quotes:
    • "If you if you believe your child is giving you a hard time, then, of course, you're gonna be more likely to look at things from a compliance standpoint and from a punitive standpoint. You need to stop doing this, period."
    • "A very common response is to tell the child, 'you just need to calm down.' Well, the problem with that is that the child has no idea why they're doing the things that they're doing. They have no idea why their body is hyper. Nobody's explained it to them. Teachers won't explain it to them, pediatricians won't explain it to them, and the kid has no idea how to calm their body."
    • "Often when I work with parents, they realize that they're not self-regulating the best they can. They have an opportunity to learn about their own self-regulation and how the nervous system is operating under challenging conditions. So, often, it's that symbiotic exchange with helping your child learn how to self-regulate gives you the opportunity to learn as a parent."
    About Christian VinceneuxChristian Vinceneux's childhood was marked by a blend of shyness, distractibility, profound imagination, and deep empathy, often leading to conflicting feedback from teachers who recognized his giftedness yet noted his unfulfilled potential. Growing up in a neurodiverse family, he developed a keen awareness of sensory influences and adaptive behaviors. This personal history, combined with his later realization of his own neurodivergence, profoundly shaped his path toward working with neurodivergent individuals. He understands the challenges of navigating a world that often misunderstands neurodiversity and is committed to fostering acceptance and growth. Vinceneux's personal development and professional journey are deeply intertwined, fueling his passionate and empathetic approach to his work.Connect with Christian As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Quotes:
    • "My brother was actually diagnosed with autism and ADHD when he was four. So I grew up thinking I was an neurotypical sibling, but still didn't fit into society the way that other people did. I didn't make friends the same way, didn't connect with other people. I always felt like there was something different about myself. I almost felt an alien."
    • "I’ve always loved people. I’m such a people person, always have been. People have not always reciprocated that to me."
    • "Realizing how much masking I was doing, and then starting to come back from that and realize I don’t have to constantly be masking—I don't have to always show up in a way that makes other people comfortable, I can show up in a way that works for me—that was like, wow."
    About Michelle Markman:Initially feeling like an outsider, Michelle Markman discovered in her early 30s that she had been  autistic all along. Accepting this diagnosis five years after receiving it, she began to understand the lifelong struggle of maintaining a "perfect child" facade, often leading to meltdowns and cycles of rebuilding. This revelation finally explained her persistent feeling of being an "alien" throughout her life.Embracing her authentic self, Michelle now thrives on connecting with others, especially other late-diagnosed autistic adults. Having navigated the profound experience of receiving an autism diagnosis—a mix of heartbreak and relief—she has grieved the loss of an imagined neurotypical identity and instead harnessed her unique qualities. Her mission is to empower others to create a life they love, building supportive communities and celebrating their individuality.Connect with Michelle:      As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:]]>4a592625-a733-48b7-ab8a-5c7ca481930eFri, 18 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Michelle Markman, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur and founder of ND Coach Inc., where she supports high-achieving neurodivergent women in unmasking and thriving on their own terms. Michelle reflects on how her...
  • The common journey of “feeling different” before a neurodivergent diagnosis
  • Why late-diagnosed autistic individuals often overcompensate as “people pleasers”
  • The cultural stigma of masking and how it’s shaped by societal expectations
  • Strategies for recreating hidden joys from childhood as a neurodivergent adult
  • The unique challenges of highly masked neurodivergent women
  • Practical tools for reducing burnout, finding joy, and reclaiming energy
  • The importance of stimming, sensory support, and other self-accommodations
  • Building belonging within neurodivergent communities for late-diagnosed and self-identified adults
  • How grounding techniques and joyful movement can reduce overstimulation
  • Why coaching and advocacy are essential for late-diagnosed individuals
    • Quotes:
    • "My brother was actually diagnosed with autism and ADHD when he was four. So I grew up thinking I was an neurotypical sibling, but still didn't fit into society the way that other people did. I didn't make friends the same way, didn't connect with other people. I always felt like there was something different about myself. I almost felt an alien."
    • "I’ve always loved people. I’m such a people person, always have been. People have not always reciprocated that to me."
    • "Realizing how much masking I was doing, and then starting to come back from that and realize I don’t have to constantly be masking—I don't have to always show up in a way that makes other people comfortable, I can show up in a way that works for me—that was like, wow."
    About Michelle Markman:Initially feeling like an outsider, Michelle Markman discovered in her early 30s that she had been  autistic all along. Accepting this diagnosis five years after receiving it, she began to understand the lifelong struggle of maintaining a "perfect child" facade, often leading to meltdowns and cycles of rebuilding. This revelation finally explained her persistent feeling of being an "alien" throughout her life.Embracing her authentic self, Michelle now thrives on connecting with others, especially other late-diagnosed autistic adults. Having navigated the profound experience of receiving an autism diagnosis—a mix of heartbreak and relief—she has grieved the loss of an imagined neurotypical identity and instead harnessed her unique qualities. Her mission is to empower others to create a life they love, building supportive communities and celebrating their individuality.Connect with Michelle:  As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay...]]>    3012autism,autism and leadership,autistic women,coaching,creating belonging in neurodiv,highly masked neurodivergent w,late autism diagnosis in women,managing burnout as a neurodiv,navigating social struggles as,nd coaching inc,neurodivergent self-advocacy,neurodiverse coaching,rebuilding relationships after,sensory accommodations,setting boundaries as a neurod,special interests and autistic,thriving with autism,unmasking,why stimming is essential for ,workplace accommodations autisfalse26fullExploding Trucks, Rock and Roll, and Autism at 65 w/ Peter O'Neilhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/exploding-trucks-rock-and-roll-and-autism-at-65-w-peter-o-neil--66941267
  • How Peter’s autism diagnosis at 65 reframed his entire life.
  • The emotional toll of masking and social isolation throughout adulthood.
  • Applying autistic focus and creativity to thrive in a demanding legal career.
  • Stories from Peter’s legal career, including landmark cases involving corporate wrongdoing.
  • Life lessons learned in West Africa and how cultural differences unlocked personal growth.
  • The pivotal role of his book in sharing his neurodivergence story.
  • How leaning into special interests, like Chuck Berry’s music, became a source of identity and strength.
  • Building meaningful relationships and communities after unmasking.
  • The importance of safety, routine, and clear systems for autistic people.
    • Quotes:
    • "Even in the situations where I was in a group like a dormitory or I spent some time in Italy so we lived in a small rooming house, I was pretty much alone even in a crowd."
    • "There was a time in Seattle from 1977 through 1980 where I began to get really terrified because I could go to work and act normally, but what I could see was something was really wrong-- all these people who seem much less interesting than me were going through life pretty happily. They were having a good time, and I had no friends."
    • "We're here for a reason. We're here because we bring a different way of thinking. Nowadays, at least in here in The United States, they're trying to make diversity, equity, inclusion a bad thing, a bad word, something we should all fear. But, obviously, diversity is what makes us great no matter where we are."
    About Peter O'Neil:Peter O'Neil is an autistic product liability attorney serving as Of Counsel at Schroeter, Goldmark & Bender in Seattle. He received his autism diagnosis at age 65, which provided what he calls "a unified theory of me" that helped explain his life and career. Rather than attending law school, O'Neil entered the legal profession through the Washington State Bar Association Rule 6 Law Clerk program under the mentorship of attorney Paul Whelan. Before becoming an attorney, O'Neil worked as a paralegal for 15 years, followed by 25 years as a lawyer. Throughout his 40-year legal career, he specialized in product liability cases, particularly a series of cases involving dangerous pickup trucks with fuel tanks outside the frame rails that caused post-crash fires. O'Neil is the author of the memoir "My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll" which explores his late-in-life autism diagnosis and celebrates how his autistic traits contributed to his success as a product liability attorneyConnect with Peter:Further Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:]]>    bce3df19-da3a-4860-a9cf-1dd8e557e664Fri, 11 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Peter O’Neil, a retired attorney, musician, grandfather, and author of My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll. Diagnosed as autistic at 65, Peter reflects on how that discovery...
  • How Peter’s autism diagnosis at 65 reframed his entire life.
  • The emotional toll of masking and social isolation throughout adulthood.
  • Applying autistic focus and creativity to thrive in a demanding legal career.
  • Stories from Peter’s legal career, including landmark cases involving corporate wrongdoing.
  • Life lessons learned in West Africa and how cultural differences unlocked personal growth.
  • The pivotal role of his book in sharing his neurodivergence story.
  • How leaning into special interests, like Chuck Berry’s music, became a source of identity and strength.
  • Building meaningful relationships and communities after unmasking.
  • The importance of safety, routine, and clear systems for autistic people.
    • Quotes:
    • "Even in the situations where I was in a group like a dormitory or I spent some time in Italy so we lived in a small rooming house, I was pretty much alone even in a crowd."
    • "There was a time in Seattle from 1977 through 1980 where I began to get really terrified because I could go to work and act normally, but what I could see was something was really wrong-- all these people who seem much less interesting than me were going through life pretty happily. They were having a good time, and I had no friends."
    • "We're here for a reason. We're here because we bring a different way of thinking. Nowadays, at least in here in The United States, they're trying to make diversity, equity, inclusion a bad thing, a bad word, something we should all fear. But, obviously, diversity is what makes us great no matter where we are."
    About Peter O'Neil:Peter O'Neil is an autistic product liability attorney serving as Of Counsel at Schroeter, Goldmark & Bender in Seattle. He received his autism diagnosis at age 65, which provided what he calls "a unified theory of me" that helped explain his life and career. Rather than attending law school, O'Neil entered the legal profession through the Washington State Bar Association Rule 6 Law Clerk program under the mentorship of attorney Paul Whelan. Before becoming an attorney, O'Neil worked as a paralegal for 15 years, followed by 25 years as a lawyer. Throughout his 40-year legal career, he specialized in product liability cases, particularly a series of cases involving dangerous pickup trucks with fuel tanks outside the frame rails that caused post-crash fires. O'Neil is the author of the memoir "My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll" which explores his late-in-life autism diagnosis and celebrates how his autistic traits contributed to his success as a product liability attorneyConnect with Peter:Further...]]>    3718autism advocacy,autism and storytelling,autism diagnosis after 60,autism diagnosis stories,autism masking and burnout,autism storytelling,chuck berry obsession,cultural lessons from west afr,exploring neurodivergence in o,late-onset autism,masking autism challenges,masking autism in the workplac,masking challenges,navigating social isolation ne,neurodivergence and community-,neurodivergence as a gift,peter o’neil,thriving with autism,unmasking neurodivergence,west africa cultural lessonsfalse25full    Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network)https://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-free-to-be-me-w-kristin-walker-mental-health-news-radio-network--66857748
  • The connection between being highly sensitive and neurodivergence.
  • How undiagnosed neurodivergence impacts social dynamics and friendships.
  • Addressing generational trauma from a neurodiverse perspective.
  • Destigmatizing neurodivergence in the mental health field.
  • Practical strategies for unmasking and achieving “ninja self-care.”
  • The importance of building supportive communities for neurodivergent individuals.
  • How technology and AI can assist neurodivergent individuals in setting boundaries and gaining clarity.
    • Quotes:
    • "I didn’t know I was autistic and had ADHD until 2024. So I’m going through that whole mind map that one goes through, where you reevaluate your entire life through this new lens."
    • "When you get out of victim stage, you have this room for compassion for yourself now"
    • “Why do I still just not really get what other people seem to get? Why do I always feel like I’m running down this long hallway?”
    About Kristin Walker:Kristin Walker is the founder and CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network and CEO of everythingEHR. With over 20 years of experience as a technology consultant for global organizations, Kristin has successfully merged her technical expertise with her passion for mental health advocacy. Under her leadership, Mental Health News Radio Network has grown into a prominent platform featuring multiple shows covering diverse aspects of mental wellness, personal development, and behavioral health innovation. As an Electronic Health Records Expert for Behavioral Health Organizations, she regularly speaks at healthcare conferences and consults with hospital systems across the country. Kristin's unique approach emphasizes collaborative leadership and creating inclusive spaces for different perspectives on mental health, making her a respected voice in both the technology and mental health communities.Connect with Kristin:Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:]]>    f03f39e2-e88a-4b69-92d8-4aa49dcaac82Fri, 04 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD.  Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that...
  • The connection between being highly sensitive and neurodivergence.
  • How undiagnosed neurodivergence impacts social dynamics and friendships.
  • Addressing generational trauma from a neurodiverse perspective.
  • Destigmatizing neurodivergence in the mental health field.
  • Practical strategies for unmasking and achieving “ninja self-care.”
  • The importance of building supportive communities for neurodivergent individuals.
  • How technology and AI can assist neurodivergent individuals in setting boundaries and gaining clarity.
    • Quotes:
    • "I didn’t know I was autistic and had ADHD until 2024. So I’m going through that whole mind map that one goes through, where you reevaluate your entire life through this new lens."
    • "When you get out of victim stage, you have this room for compassion for yourself now"
    • “Why do I still just not really get what other people seem to get? Why do I always feel like I’m running down this long hallway?”
    About Kristin Walker:Kristin Walker is the founder and CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network and CEO of everythingEHR. With over 20 years of experience as a technology consultant for global organizations, Kristin has successfully merged her technical expertise with her passion for mental health advocacy. Under her leadership, Mental Health News Radio Network has grown into a prominent platform featuring multiple shows covering diverse aspects of mental wellness, personal development, and behavioral health innovation. As an Electronic Health Records Expert for Behavioral Health Organizations, she regularly speaks at healthcare conferences and consults with hospital systems across the country. Kristin's unique approach emphasizes collaborative leadership and creating inclusive spaces for different perspectives on mental health, making her a respected voice in both the technology and mental health communities.Connect with Kristin:Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:
    • Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
    • All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
    • ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
    • 3499adhd,adhd and trauma,autism,autism and trauma,generational trauma,kristin walker,late diagnosis autism,masking vs unmasking,mental health,mental health advocacy,navigating trauma as neurodive,neurodivergence and self-disco,neurodivergent creativity,neurodiversity,neurodiversity podcast,self-love for neurodivergent a,thriving with autism,thriving with autism and adhd,trauma healing,unmasking neurodivergentfalse24fullFighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Mileshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fighting-to-be-seen-the-high-cost-of-masking-w-reid-miles--66768637
    • Reid’s transition from IT to his work as an autism advocate.
    • The challenges neurodivergent individuals face in corporate and volunteer environments.
    • How blogging and podcasting became transformative ways for Reid to amplify his voice.
    • His advice for parents of neurodivergent kids on nurturing their strengths.
    • How honesty and collaboration became the foundation of Reid’s work in podcasting.
    • A behind-the-scenes look at Reid’s retreat initiative for families and individuals within the autism community.
    Quotes:
    • "I think society is broken when it comes to learning about us because I feel they don't want to learn about us because we're different than everyone else. We're just one form of disability, people with disabilities that think differently than everyone else."
    • "Why should I have to fake who I am just so you out there can feel comfortable with yourself? Why can't I feel comfortable with myself being who I am without being judged by society, being judged by the workplace?"
    • "We live in a world of negativity—it builds walls. The only way forward is to tear those walls down by trusting yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone."
    About Reid Miles:Reid Miles is the founder and editor of Aspergers Studio, where he writes about his adventures in life with Asperger's. A former PC Tech turned Autism Advocate, Reid shares his life and experiences through his blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. "Inside the Aspergers Studio" features discussions with people who have ASD and ADHD, professionals in the field, and parents of children on the spectrum. Recognized for his contribution to autism awareness, Reid's podcast was rated #2 Autism Podcast for 2023 by Feedspot and listed among the top Autism podcasts by Player.FM.  Connect with Reid: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:]]>deefef12-0384-430f-8b9d-22bd10d77312Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs...
  • Reid’s transition from IT to his work as an autism advocate.
  • The challenges neurodivergent individuals face in corporate and volunteer environments.
  • How blogging and podcasting became transformative ways for Reid to amplify his voice.
  • His advice for parents of neurodivergent kids on nurturing their strengths.
  • How honesty and collaboration became the foundation of Reid’s work in podcasting.
  • A behind-the-scenes look at Reid’s retreat initiative for families and individuals within the autism community.
    • Quotes:
    • "I think society is broken when it comes to learning about us because I feel they don't want to learn about us because we're different than everyone else. We're just one form of disability, people with disabilities that think differently than everyone else."
    • "Why should I have to fake who I am just so you out there can feel comfortable with yourself? Why can't I feel comfortable with myself being who I am without being judged by society, being judged by the workplace?"
    • "We live in a world of negativity—it builds walls. The only way forward is to tear those walls down by trusting yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone."
    About Reid Miles:Reid Miles is the founder and editor of Aspergers Studio, where he writes about his adventures in life with Asperger's. A former PC Tech turned Autism Advocate, Reid shares his life and experiences through his blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. "Inside the Aspergers Studio" features discussions with people who have ASD and ADHD, professionals in the field, and parents of children on the spectrum. Recognized for his contribution to autism awareness, Reid's podcast was rated #2 Autism Podcast for 2023 by Feedspot and listed among the top Autism podcasts by Player.FM.  Connect with Reid: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:Quotes:
    • "You don't tell a complete story, you tell parts of a story, and you leave out pieces so that people can fill them in with their imagination."
    • "In one case, a child went through the storytelling experience, went home, and slept through the night for the first time in his life."
    • "For neurodivergent kids, their imagination can be so active, and it can be their primary way of communicating."
    About Jay Goth:Jay Goth is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in energy, hospitality, and finance, having invested in and consulted with numerous startups. He is now dedicated to launching Burble, a mission-driven company focused on "Minimally Defined Immersive Storytelling" to provide an alternative to screen-driven entertainment for children and foster their imaginations. Goth has experienced both significant success, including taking a startup to nearly $500 million in revenue, and the challenges of failed ventures. He believes Burble has the potential to surpass his past accomplishments and positively impact millions of children, leading him to prioritize it above all other activities. Outside of his business endeavors, Goth enjoys skiing, golf, and watching his wife compete in performance horse jumping.Connect with Jay:     As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>af3f16dc-4d01-4702-8d2f-eff9c7665f0dFri, 20 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Jay Goth, CEO of Burble Creativity Inc., to explore how his company is using immersive storytelling to spark imagination, reduce overstimulation, and create calming environments for neurodivergent children. Drawing from...
  • How storytelling can promote self-expression among children on the autism spectrum.
  • The role of sensory tools like sound and lighting in reducing anxiety and overstimulation.
  • The concept of "minimally defined storytelling" and how it inspires creativity.
  • Success stories from families who have used the storytelling tents.
  • Jay’s advice for educators and caregivers working with neurodivergent children.
  • How Burble Creativity plans to partner with schools and therapy centers.
  • Crowdfunding strategies for launching innovative tools for autism support.
  • The importance of balancing technology-free experiences with creative learning spaces.
    • Quotes:
    • "You don't tell a complete story, you tell parts of a story, and you leave out pieces so that people can fill them in with their imagination."
    • "In one case, a child went through the storytelling experience, went home, and slept through the night for the first time in his life."
    • "For neurodivergent kids, their imagination can be so active, and it can be their primary way of communicating."
    About Jay Goth:Jay Goth is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in energy, hospitality, and finance, having invested in and consulted with numerous startups. He is now dedicated to launching Burble, a mission-driven company focused on "Minimally Defined Immersive Storytelling" to provide an alternative to screen-driven entertainment for children and foster their imaginations. Goth has experienced both significant success, including taking a startup to nearly $500 million in revenue, and the challenges of failed ventures. He believes Burble has the potential to surpass his past accomplishments and positively impact millions of children, leading him to prioritize it above all other activities. Outside of his business endeavors, Goth enjoys skiing, golf, and watching his wife compete in performance horse jumping.Connect with Jay: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    2436autism,autism and storytelling therap,autistic children,burble creativity inc,calming story-based tools for ,calming tools for neurodiverge,creative tools for neurodiverg,immersion,innovative storytelling for ch,innovative tools for children ,jay goth,minimally defined storytelling,neurodivergence and imaginatio,neurodivergent imagination,reducing overstimulation autis,safe creative spaces for kids ,sensory-friendly tools for aut,sensory-friendly tools for kid,storytelling with sounds and lfalse226full    Cut From Chaos: Shane Currin’s Story of Bipolar, Addiction, & Purposehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cut-from-chaos-shane-currin-s-story-of-bipolar-addiction-purpose--66544905Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through vulnerability and service. Together, they unpack the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent, offering insights for parents, individuals, and anyone seeking growth in the face of adversity.We Also Cover:
    • Shane’s journey to building self-awareness.
    • The connection between bipolar traits and untapped genius.
    • Practical advice for parents raising neurodivergent kids.
    • Breaking the stigma around addiction and mental health.
    • The power of embracing imperfections in a judgmental world.
    Quotes:
    • "I got into this weird state of introspection and had this epiphany that I was designed this way to help others. I visit the dark often, so I know the way out and I can show other people that way."
    • “For any neurodivergent listening to this, I would say, discover yourself—discover the things that calm you down, discover the people that will be there for you.”
    • "I have a great brain, but as good as it is, it has the potential to be very detrimental. It's like if Superman was powered by kryptonite"
    About Shane Currin:Shane Currin is a passionate mental health advocate and wayfinder of neurodiversity. He is a suicide survivor and has been in addiction recovery for ten years. As a neurodivergent individual himself, Shane's personal journey informs his advocacy work, allowing him to connect deeply with the experiences of others. His commitment to ending mental health stigma drives his efforts to create a welcoming community for open discussions about mental health.Connect with Shane:Further Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Stay Connected:]]>    8e3351a2-d7b5-4d19-977a-66cb10075b1cFri, 13 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya kick off Season 2 by welcoming Shane Currin, a mental health advocate, writer, and podcast host of Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through...Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through vulnerability and service. Together, they unpack the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent, offering insights for parents, individuals, and anyone seeking growth in the face of adversity.We Also Cover:
    • Shane’s journey to building self-awareness.
    • The connection between bipolar traits and untapped genius.
    • Practical advice for parents raising neurodivergent kids.
    • Breaking the stigma around addiction and mental health.
    • The power of embracing imperfections in a judgmental world.
    Quotes:
    • "I got into this weird state of introspection and had this epiphany that I was designed this way to help others. I visit the dark often, so I know the way out and I can show other people that way."
    • “For any neurodivergent listening to this, I would say, discover yourself—discover the things that calm you down, discover the people that will be there for you.”
    • "I have a great brain, but as good as it is, it has the potential to be very detrimental. It's like if Superman was powered by kryptonite"
    About Shane Currin:Shane Currin is a passionate mental health advocate and wayfinder of neurodiversity. He is a suicide survivor and has been in addiction recovery for ten years. As a neurodivergent individual himself, Shane's personal journey informs his advocacy work, allowing him to connect deeply with the experiences of others. His commitment to ending mental health stigma drives his efforts to create a welcoming community for open discussions about mental health.Connect with Shane:Further Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Stay Connected:]]>    3438addiction,addiction recovery,addiction recovery podcast,adhd in adults,audhd,bipolar,bipolar success stories,embracing neurodivergent trait,how to embrace vulnerability,how to reframe mental health s,mental health,mental health advocacy,neurodiversity,overcoming addiction,practical mental health advice,real stories about overcoming ,recovery,recovery stories,self-discovery,trauma recovery storiesfalse225full    Nature, Nurture, and Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Jeff Karp (Season 1 Finale)https://www.spreaker.com/episode/nature-nurture-and-neurodiversity-w-dr-jeff-karp-season-1-finale--65541689
  • Importance of daily rituals for mental wellness
  • The vitalness of parental support for neurodivergent children
  • Importance of personalized education
  • AI tools for neurodiverse students
  • The "Pendulum Lifestyle" for personal growth
  • How to best nurture areas of interest in children
  • Dr. Karp's "LIT: Life Ignition Tools" book and framework
  • The significance of self-reflection practices
  • Finding mental rejuvenation with ADHD
  • Embracing the power of pausing
    • Quotes:
    • "I feel like I was the kid who always had to work, like, two or three times harder than everybody else."
    • "Someone asked me, 'Oh, what do you want to be when you grow up?' And I said, 'A doctor.' And they said, 'Oh, you better set your sights lower.'"
    • "Once you can connect with what you naturally hyperfocus on what naturally excites you and what you don't have to force, that's where the magic starts to happen."
    About Jeff Karp:Dr. Jeff Karp is a professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto. His life experiences with learning differences, particularly ADHD, have deeply influenced his work and advocacy. He focuses on developing innovative solutions to medical challenges, applying nature-inspired strategies and fostering neurodiversity awareness in education.Connect with Jeff: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    322f8e1b-c7b0-4ecf-83fe-afe7102d119fThu, 30 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya conclude Spark Launch's first season by sitting down with Dr. Jeff Karp, a biomedical engineer, Harvard Medical School and MIT professor, and passionate neurodiversity advocate. Dr. Karp shares how he went from struggling student to...
  • Importance of daily rituals for mental wellness
  • The vitalness of parental support for neurodivergent children
  • Importance of personalized education
  • AI tools for neurodiverse students
  • The "Pendulum Lifestyle" for personal growth
  • How to best nurture areas of interest in children
  • Dr. Karp's "LIT: Life Ignition Tools" book and framework
  • The significance of self-reflection practices
  • Finding mental rejuvenation with ADHD
  • Embracing the power of pausing
    • Quotes:
    • "I feel like I was the kid who always had to work, like, two or three times harder than everybody else."
    • "Someone asked me, 'Oh, what do you want to be when you grow up?' And I said, 'A doctor.' And they said, 'Oh, you better set your sights lower.'"
    • "Once you can connect with what you naturally hyperfocus on what naturally excites you and what you don't have to force, that's where the magic starts to happen."
    About Jeff Karp:Dr. Jeff Karp is a professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto. His life experiences with learning differences, particularly ADHD, have deeply influenced his work and advocacy. He focuses on developing innovative solutions to medical challenges, applying nature-inspired strategies and fostering neurodiversity awareness in education.Connect with Jeff: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    3101adhd,education,inclusion,jeff karp,life ignition tools,neurodiverse students,neurodiversity,neurosciencefalse124full    Walk The Strong Path: Compassion Breeds Resilience w/ James Dewar-Haggarthttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/walk-the-strong-path-compassion-breeds-resilience-w-james-dewar-haggart--65541690
  • How trauma amplifies neurodivergent struggles
  • Fostering inclusivity in gym environments
  • Emotional health over physical fitness
  • Empathy as a foundation for growth
  • Community-building for neurodivergent individuals
  • Breaking barriers for underrepresented groups
  • The influence of childhood diagnosis gaps
  • Addressing societal failure in mental health
    • Quotes:
    • "If you do something out of truth, out of passion, and out of love for the thing that you're doing, especially as someone with ADHD, then you can't really go wrong with it."
    • "We are taught to study, get good grades, and make money, but not about how to contribute to this world meaningfully."
    • "If you make decisions based on your actual feelings, your actual thoughts, and your actual desires, the likelihood of success is so much higher."
    • "You’re teaching that child to repress those feelings, but those feelings aren’t going anywhere—they’re just going to amplify."
    About James Dewar-Haggart:James Dewar-Haggart is the Founder of Strong Path CIC, a community interest company dedicated to providing personal training and nutritional advice to the neuro-diverse community. With nearly a decade of experience as a personal trainer, James has a deep understanding of the physical and psychological needs of his clients. He has created a supportive environment in his private gym, where sessions are tailored to small groups to ensure personalized attention. Passionate about breaking down barriers and making fitness accessible to everyone, he continues to work with charities and community organizations to expand his reach and impact.Connect with James: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    ba5a4eff-caf0-4356-9832-0de0507ea0e3Thu, 23 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with James Dewar-Haggart, founder of Strong Path, a fitness organization built to prioritize inclusivity for the neurodivergent community. James shares his journey through depression, substance use, and ADHD, and how those...
  • How trauma amplifies neurodivergent struggles
  • Fostering inclusivity in gym environments
  • Emotional health over physical fitness
  • Empathy as a foundation for growth
  • Community-building for neurodivergent individuals
  • Breaking barriers for underrepresented groups
  • The influence of childhood diagnosis gaps
  • Addressing societal failure in mental health
    • Quotes:
    • "If you do something out of truth, out of passion, and out of love for the thing that you're doing, especially as someone with ADHD, then you can't really go wrong with it."
    • "We are taught to study, get good grades, and make money, but not about how to contribute to this world meaningfully."
    • "If you make decisions based on your actual feelings, your actual thoughts, and your actual desires, the likelihood of success is so much higher."
    • "You’re teaching that child to repress those feelings, but those feelings aren’t going anywhere—they’re just going to amplify."
    About James Dewar-Haggart:James Dewar-Haggart is the Founder of Strong Path CIC, a community interest company dedicated to providing personal training and nutritional advice to the neuro-diverse community. With nearly a decade of experience as a personal trainer, James has a deep understanding of the physical and psychological needs of his clients. He has created a supportive environment in his private gym, where sessions are tailored to small groups to ensure personalized attention. Passionate about breaking down barriers and making fitness accessible to everyone, he continues to work with charities and community organizations to expand his reach and impact.Connect with James: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    3414adhd,adhd in adults,compassion,diversity and inclusion,fitness culture,inclusion,mental health awareness,neurodiversity,resilience,substance abuse disorderfalse123full    Living Eponymously: Creativity Over Conformity w/ Bradley Lewis Fosterhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/living-eponymously-creativity-over-conformity-w-bradley-lewis-foster--65541697
  • The power of embracing neurodivergent perspectives in creative industries
  • How exploring different mediums leads to discovering your unique talents
  • The philosophical nature of neurodivergent thinking and its benefits
  • Finding your authentic voice in a world of conformity
  • The importance of trying new things to discover your true potential
  • Creative outlets leading to self-discovery
  • Rethinking failure as a learning tool
  • Redefining success on personal terms
  • How neurodivergents are natural entrepreneurs
    • Quotes:
    • "For people who are unhappy with their jobs, which is probably most people, go read a bunch of books, go explore, go do things you've never done before, because you may not ever know in your whole life what your passion really is if you don't do that."
    • "I think the people who cannot see your vision are actually pushing you to believe in yourself. So I actually am very grateful today to the people who have rejected me."
    • "What we're taught in schools is essentially preparing us to be good little workers, but they're not preparing us to be critical thinkers or entrepreneurs."
    • "So if you're just constantly listening to what everybody else is telling you to do, 'be like everybody else, take the safe road,' then honestly, you'll likely fail because it's redundant. What is the point of being someone else?"
    About Bradley Lewis Foster:Bradley Lewis Foster is originally from a small town in Montana and spent over 15 years in marketing for some of the best brands in the world including companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Disney, AT&T, MillerCoors, and The Oscars. He has also helped hundreds of small businesses and developed a marketing training and mentorship program. He currently runs a full-service ad agency called EPONYMOUS that brings the science and methodologies used by top brands to businesses of all sizes.Connect with Bradley: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    5cca3cbb-f899-4474-841b-3efbdfca5813Thu, 16 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Bradley Lewis Foster, a creative force in the marketing world who discusses his experiences as a neurodivergent entrepreneur and the often-misunderstood traits associated with ADHD. Brad shares on leveraging neurodiverse...
  • The power of embracing neurodivergent perspectives in creative industries
  • How exploring different mediums leads to discovering your unique talents
  • The philosophical nature of neurodivergent thinking and its benefits
  • Finding your authentic voice in a world of conformity
  • The importance of trying new things to discover your true potential
  • Creative outlets leading to self-discovery
  • Rethinking failure as a learning tool
  • Redefining success on personal terms
  • How neurodivergents are natural entrepreneurs
    • Quotes:
    • "For people who are unhappy with their jobs, which is probably most people, go read a bunch of books, go explore, go do things you've never done before, because you may not ever know in your whole life what your passion really is if you don't do that."
    • "I think the people who cannot see your vision are actually pushing you to believe in yourself. So I actually am very grateful today to the people who have rejected me."
    • "What we're taught in schools is essentially preparing us to be good little workers, but they're not preparing us to be critical thinkers or entrepreneurs."
    • "So if you're just constantly listening to what everybody else is telling you to do, 'be like everybody else, take the safe road,' then honestly, you'll likely fail because it's redundant. What is the point of being someone else?"
    About Bradley Lewis Foster:Bradley Lewis Foster is originally from a small town in Montana and spent over 15 years in marketing for some of the best brands in the world including companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Disney, AT&T, MillerCoors, and The Oscars. He has also helped hundreds of small businesses and developed a marketing training and mentorship program. He currently runs a full-service ad agency called EPONYMOUS that brings the science and methodologies used by top brands to businesses of all sizes.Connect with Bradley: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    2783adhd,adhd in adults,adhd writers,creativity,mental health,mental well-being,neurodivergent entrepreneur,neurodiversity in businessfalse122full    The Autism Advantage: Author J.D. Barker Talks Crafting Stories & Taking Chanceshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-autism-advantage-author-j-d-barker-talks-crafting-stories-taking-chances--65541695
  • The Importance of Supportive Relationships
  • Later In Life Autism Diagnosis
  • How Autistic Mirroring Aids in Ghostwriting
  • Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
  • The Influence of Neurodivergent Thinking on Plot Creation
  • Finding Ways to Ground Yourself to Avoid Hyperfocus
  • Nurturing Creative Outlets at an Early Age
  • His Autism Advocacy
  • Why AI Cannot Replicate the Human Experience
    • Quotes:
    • "The more often I did something, as uncomfortable as it might be, like putting myself in a social situation, the easier it got."
    • "I realized that I could take something that some people would see as a negative and basically turn it into a positive."
    • "It takes a lot to walk away from one path, to get on your own path. It takes a lot of guts to do that."
    About J.D. Barker:J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL, the wildly popular 4MK series, and frequently collaborates with James Patterson. He began work as a book doctor and ghostwriter, helping others fine tune their writing for publication. He would continue in this profession until 2012 when he wrote a novel of his own, titled Forsaken. Stephen King read portions of Forsaken prior to publication and granted Barker permission to utilize the character of Leland Gaunt (of King’s Needful Things) in the novel. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.Connect with J.D.: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    50e0e0b2-0ac4-46b8-9b95-931c6fa5a92bThu, 09 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with author J.D. Barker, known for his gripping suspense thrillers, who reveals how being on the autism spectrum has shaped his career. Discover how neurodiversity fuels creativity as he shares his journey from ghostwriter to...
  • The Importance of Supportive Relationships
  • Later In Life Autism Diagnosis
  • How Autistic Mirroring Aids in Ghostwriting
  • Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
  • The Influence of Neurodivergent Thinking on Plot Creation
  • Finding Ways to Ground Yourself to Avoid Hyperfocus
  • Nurturing Creative Outlets at an Early Age
  • His Autism Advocacy
  • Why AI Cannot Replicate the Human Experience
    • Quotes:
    • "The more often I did something, as uncomfortable as it might be, like putting myself in a social situation, the easier it got."
    • "I realized that I could take something that some people would see as a negative and basically turn it into a positive."
    • "It takes a lot to walk away from one path, to get on your own path. It takes a lot of guts to do that."
    About J.D. Barker:J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL, the wildly popular 4MK series, and frequently collaborates with James Patterson. He began work as a book doctor and ghostwriter, helping others fine tune their writing for publication. He would continue in this profession until 2012 when he wrote a novel of his own, titled Forsaken. Stephen King read portions of Forsaken prior to publication and granted Barker permission to utilize the character of Leland Gaunt (of King’s Needful Things) in the novel. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.Connect with J.D.: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    2522autism,autistic,autistic adults,bestselling author,dracula,horror writer,jd barker,neurodivergent challenges,publishing successfalse121full    Beyond ADHD: Finding Peace Amid the Noise w/ Sam Ledhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beyond-adhd-finding-peace-amid-the-noise-w-sam-led--65541702
  • The Impact of Past Experiences
  • Recognizing Emotional Contrasts for Balance
  • Moving Beyond Rigid Strategies
  • The Failure and Trauma of Punitive Education
  • Empathy and Creativity
  • Riding the Emotional Wave
  • Accepting Your Inner Wisdom
  • The Value of Suffering
  • The Limitations of Conventional Coaching for ADHD
    • Quotes:
    • "It is our inner self, which is so wise. It knows what to do, what not to do, who to trust, who not to trust. Just allow and drop into that space."
    • "So we have to keep going, going and welcome those experiences because it'll teach us and we'll learn so much through those."
    • "We're not living in the outside world. We're living in the experience of our inner world."
    • "The glory of consciousness, conscious thought. You can change anything with one thought."
    • "Because we are all Different and everybody has a right to have their opinion, including myself. But not letting that affect my own emotions has been my life journey."
    • "ADHDers and neurodiverse have so often had their agency very much robbed from them by other people who've told them what they're capable of, what they're not capable of, what they should be doing."
    About Sam Led:Sam Led, coach, author of Beyond ADHD, and host of The Fearless Now podcast, helps clients worldwide via Zoom discover their innate intelligence and wisdom by taking their thinking less seriously. Through personalized coaching and online programs, Sam guides individuals with ADHD and neurodiversity to understand their minds, drawing on his experience in personal development, human behavior, spirituality, and intuitive gifts. His background includes studies at the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University, a graduate degree in conflict resolution, and expertise in change management, enabling him to effectively support clients recovering from setbacks and losses by helping them access insights beyond the "noise" of their thinking.Connect with Sam:Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    8e0d38de-f926-47ff-b182-852b20f57b6cThu, 02 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Sam Led, a distinguished ADHD coach, podcaster, and the author of "Beyond ADHD," to delve into the multifaceted nature of ADHD; exploring its implications not just for diagnosed individuals but for society at large. Sam...
  • The Impact of Past Experiences
  • Recognizing Emotional Contrasts for Balance
  • Moving Beyond Rigid Strategies
  • The Failure and Trauma of Punitive Education
  • Empathy and Creativity
  • Riding the Emotional Wave
  • Accepting Your Inner Wisdom
  • The Value of Suffering
  • The Limitations of Conventional Coaching for ADHD
    • Quotes:
    • "It is our inner self, which is so wise. It knows what to do, what not to do, who to trust, who not to trust. Just allow and drop into that space."
    • "So we have to keep going, going and welcome those experiences because it'll teach us and we'll learn so much through those."
    • "We're not living in the outside world. We're living in the experience of our inner world."
    • "The glory of consciousness, conscious thought. You can change anything with one thought."
    • "Because we are all Different and everybody has a right to have their opinion, including myself. But not letting that affect my own emotions has been my life journey."
    • "ADHDers and neurodiverse have so often had their agency very much robbed from them by other people who've told them what they're capable of, what they're not capable of, what they should be doing."
    About Sam Led:Sam Led, coach, author of Beyond ADHD, and host of The Fearless Now podcast, helps clients worldwide via Zoom discover their innate intelligence and wisdom by taking their thinking less seriously. Through personalized coaching and online programs, Sam guides individuals with ADHD and neurodiversity to understand their minds, drawing on his experience in personal development, human behavior, spirituality, and intuitive gifts. His background includes studies at the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University, a graduate degree in conflict resolution, and expertise in change management, enabling him to effectively support clients recovering from setbacks and losses by helping them access insights beyond the "noise" of their thinking.Connect with Sam:Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Quotes:
    • "I want to do my thing, but I want to do what my parents want me to do because I want them to be happy."
    • "Sometimes a job is just a means to an end so you can go do the crap you like to do."
    • "It's like, 'what do you want to do with your life?' No one ever asks, 'so what would make you happy in life?'"
    • "When you're forced to do it, it takes the joy out of learning."
    • "We judge people by jobs so often. We're very job obsessed society."
    About Neel Raikar:Neel Raikar a straight-talking, school-hating, people-avoiding (you sound like me there), dyslexic 18-year-old Studying the IB program, navigating challenges with dyslexia while staying focused on academics. As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:    ]]>b2d70283-910f-457a-8be1-f6e3261bf22dThu, 19 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Neel Raikar, an 18-year-old trying to plot his own course through the complexities of school life while facing the hurdles associated with dyslexia. Neel doesn't hesitate to give his candid - and very relatable - aversion...
  • Learning Difficulties & Concentration Challenges
  • The Need For Teaching Real-World Applications of School Subjects
  • Building Relevance and Engagement For Inclusive Learning
  • Societal and Parental Pressures of Adulthood
  • The Importance of Challenging Traditional Paths
  • How Conventional Learning Methods Overlook Neurodiverse Students
  • Fulfillment Coming From Passion Rather Than Obligation
  • Finding Purpose in Living For Joy
    • Quotes:
    • "I want to do my thing, but I want to do what my parents want me to do because I want them to be happy."
    • "Sometimes a job is just a means to an end so you can go do the crap you like to do."
    • "It's like, 'what do you want to do with your life?' No one ever asks, 'so what would make you happy in life?'"
    • "When you're forced to do it, it takes the joy out of learning."
    • "We judge people by jobs so often. We're very job obsessed society."
    About Neel Raikar:Neel Raikar a straight-talking, school-hating, people-avoiding (you sound like me there), dyslexic 18-year-old Studying the IB program, navigating challenges with dyslexia while staying focused on academics. As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    1618accommodations,diversity equity inclusion and,dyslexia,education,education challenges,neurodivergent challenges,neurodiverse studentsfalse119full    Superpower or Struggle? The ADHD Spectrum of Experience w/ Ahmadreza Tadrisihttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/superpower-or-struggle-the-adhd-spectrum-of-experience-w-ahmadreza-tadrisi--65541709
  • Cultural differences in understanding ADHD, particularly in Iran
  • Inattentiveness without hyperactivity
  • Misconceptions and stereotypes fueled by pop culture
  • Systemic failures in accommodating neurodiversity
  • The dual nature of ADHD as strength and challenge
  • Limiting Labels vs Empowering Labels
  • How social media advice can lead to unrealistic expectations
    • Quotes:
    • "If we are struggling, it's because of the system. So if the systems were set up in the right way, we would be completely fine."
    • "When you are forming an identity for yourself, things need to make sense."
    • "The problem that we are having today is that the ones that need the most help, their voices are the ones that we hear the less."
    • "It's very charmed to educate the public only about the positive aspects. It's more appealing and it sells better. But does it actually change the reality?"
    • "But the more and more you train yourself to listen to that intuition, that gut feeling and the way it shows up, everybody has a different way of tapping into that."
    About Ahmadreza Tadrisi:Ahmadreza Tadrisi is a psychotherapist with a master's in clinical psychology. Over the last four years, he has conducted over 3000 therapy and counseling sessions with more than 100 clients. His integrative, client-centered approach combines therapy and coaching, particularly focusing on Adult ADHD, inspired by his own diagnosis, and dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space for all individuals.Connect with Adhamreza:Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    3b1f3dab-be74-4a21-9131-dea7d9d94cf5Thu, 12 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with ADHD psychotherapist Ahmadreza Tadrisi to discuss how his own diagnosis sparked a desire to broaden the understanding of this neuro-type. In their talk, Ahmadreza debunks some harmful ADHD myths and highlights how the...
  • Cultural differences in understanding ADHD, particularly in Iran
  • Inattentiveness without hyperactivity
  • Misconceptions and stereotypes fueled by pop culture
  • Systemic failures in accommodating neurodiversity
  • The dual nature of ADHD as strength and challenge
  • Limiting Labels vs Empowering Labels
  • How social media advice can lead to unrealistic expectations
    • Quotes:
    • "If we are struggling, it's because of the system. So if the systems were set up in the right way, we would be completely fine."
    • "When you are forming an identity for yourself, things need to make sense."
    • "The problem that we are having today is that the ones that need the most help, their voices are the ones that we hear the less."
    • "It's very charmed to educate the public only about the positive aspects. It's more appealing and it sells better. But does it actually change the reality?"
    • "But the more and more you train yourself to listen to that intuition, that gut feeling and the way it shows up, everybody has a different way of tapping into that."
    About Ahmadreza Tadrisi:Ahmadreza Tadrisi is a psychotherapist with a master's in clinical psychology. Over the last four years, he has conducted over 3000 therapy and counseling sessions with more than 100 clients. His integrative, client-centered approach combines therapy and coaching, particularly focusing on Adult ADHD, inspired by his own diagnosis, and dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space for all individuals.Connect with Adhamreza:Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    2487adhd,adhd coach,adhd in adults,diversity and inclusion,mental health,neurodiversity,overcoming challenges,psychologyfalse118full    Level Up Your ADHD Parenting Strategies w/ Joshua Rastetterhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/level-up-your-adhd-parenting-strategies-w-joshua-rastetter--65541715
  • Intrinsic Motivation and Meaningful Goals
  • Overcoming Parenting Hypocrisy
  • Appreciating Neurodivergent Children Require Different Approaches
  • Creating a Cooperative Environment can Reduce Conflict and Improve Learning
  • Recognizing the Unique Lopve Languages of Your Children to Enhance Communication
  • A Gamer Approach to Parenting Styles
  • The Difficulties of Remote Learning for Neurodivergent Kids During the Pandemic
    • Quotes:
    • "And part of that was my own struggles with focus... projecting a little bit because as hard as it was for her to focus... it was just as hard, if not harder for me to focus enough to help her focus."
    • "My mental health improved drastically when I stopped judging myself by the box that I didn't fit in."
    • "Are we playing on co-op right now? Are we playing on Versus? It’s not my will versus your will. There’s a challenge that we need to face together."
    • "I think as long as they're doing things in a fun way, it's fine. We don't have to get the whole picture. But unfortunately the schools today, the way it works, it doesn't satisfy an ADHD mind."
    • "When we stop and ask, 'How do you love this person? How do you love this thing?'—that changes everything. It’s not just about the feeling but the expression."
    About Joshua Rastetter:Joshua brings over 15 years of experience in tech and software development to address the real and pressing challenges faced by the neurodivergent community. With a degree in Management Information Systems, Joshua combines his technical expertise and strategic insight to drive innovation and create impactful solutions.At Spark Launch, Joshua is focused on driving the company's mission to empower neurodivergent individuals through innovative and strength-based solutions. His work emphasizes creating accessible and inclusive tools that support diverse thinkers in reaching their full potential.Connect with Joshua:Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    cc88454b-1439-46f8-bdc4-6182757e0b8eThu, 05 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchParenting is an intricate dance, this is doubly true when you and your child share the same neurodivergence. Joshua Rastetter returns to elaborate further on these complexities, reflecting on the frustrations of a rigid educational system that didn’t...
  • Intrinsic Motivation and Meaningful Goals
  • Overcoming Parenting Hypocrisy
  • Appreciating Neurodivergent Children Require Different Approaches
  • Creating a Cooperative Environment can Reduce Conflict and Improve Learning
  • Recognizing the Unique Lopve Languages of Your Children to Enhance Communication
  • A Gamer Approach to Parenting Styles
  • The Difficulties of Remote Learning for Neurodivergent Kids During the Pandemic
    • Quotes:
    • "And part of that was my own struggles with focus... projecting a little bit because as hard as it was for her to focus... it was just as hard, if not harder for me to focus enough to help her focus."
    • "My mental health improved drastically when I stopped judging myself by the box that I didn't fit in."
    • "Are we playing on co-op right now? Are we playing on Versus? It’s not my will versus your will. There’s a challenge that we need to face together."
    • "I think as long as they're doing things in a fun way, it's fine. We don't have to get the whole picture. But unfortunately the schools today, the way it works, it doesn't satisfy an ADHD mind."
    • "When we stop and ask, 'How do you love this person? How do you love this thing?'—that changes everything. It’s not just about the feeling but the expression."
    About Joshua Rastetter:Joshua brings over 15 years of experience in tech and software development to address the real and pressing challenges faced by the neurodivergent community. With a degree in Management Information Systems, Joshua combines his technical expertise and strategic insight to drive innovation and create impactful solutions.At Spark Launch, Joshua is focused on driving the company's mission to empower neurodivergent individuals through innovative and strength-based solutions. His work emphasizes creating accessible and inclusive tools that support diverse thinkers in reaching their full potential.Connect with Joshua:Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    1789adhd,dyscalculia,love languages,neurodivergent parenting,neurodivergent parents,neurodiverse children,parenting,video gamesfalse117full    When The World Is Dark and Cold...https://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-the-world-is-dark-and-cold--65541713
  • The cumulative impact of prolonged anxiety on mental health
  • Finding connection in collective struggle
  • Transforming negative energy into activism, creativity, or support
  • The role of meditation in energy and anxiety management
  • Love, anger, and compassion in crisis
    • Quotes:
    • "There has been a great many people who, in the face of unrelenting sorrow, have been able to stand up and face something that is greater than them and become greater than that thing."
    • "Transformation happens only when you experience deep pain. That pain is so hard that the only way out is to actually become a butterfly from a caterpillar."
    • "Love got knocked down. Love can get back up."
    • "We have no idea what's going to happen even the very next moment, so carrying the burden of the future is unnecessary."
    • "When the world goes dark and cold, keep your fire burning so others may know where to stay warm."
    As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    42f4e9e1-ee9a-4282-b36a-10095fcbef54Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchFeeling hopeless amidst recent world events is a sentiment many of us currently relate to. But, as Mike and Chaya discuss in this episode, hopelessness can lead to fearlessness.We Also Cover: - The cumulative impact of prolonged anxiety on mental...
  • The cumulative impact of prolonged anxiety on mental health
  • Finding connection in collective struggle
  • Transforming negative energy into activism, creativity, or support
  • The role of meditation in energy and anxiety management
  • Love, anger, and compassion in crisis
    • Quotes:
    • "There has been a great many people who, in the face of unrelenting sorrow, have been able to stand up and face something that is greater than them and become greater than that thing."
    • "Transformation happens only when you experience deep pain. That pain is so hard that the only way out is to actually become a butterfly from a caterpillar."
    • "Love got knocked down. Love can get back up."
    • "We have no idea what's going to happen even the very next moment, so carrying the burden of the future is unnecessary."
    • "When the world goes dark and cold, keep your fire burning so others may know where to stay warm."
    As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    11032024 election,anxiety,coping,election,empathy,fear,neurodiversityfalse116full    How I Spent (And Learned To Love) My Neurodivergent Vacationhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-i-spent-and-learned-to-love-my-neurodivergent-vacation--65541720
  • The liberation of discarding societal checklists
  • How being neurodivergent allows you to redefine what fun means
  • Permission to go at your own pace
  • Letting go of external judgements on what you "should" do
  • Finding tranquility in simplicity
  • Choosing travel companions who respect neurodivergent needs
    • Quotes:
    • "What may seem like nothing to an allistic person is everything to a neurodivergent."
    • "Not caring what other people may think about my version of fun, that's the big when you're a neurodivergent."
    • "That was me living in who I am as a neurodivergent, doing what is comfortable for me."
    • "We always are seeking for that approval, whether knowingly or unknowingly. And because we are a minority, the neurodivergent people, it's way more challenging for us to to be ourselves."
    As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    9d9310aa-a49d-4347-af23-1f5f2cd7d679Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike recounts his recent vacation and how it led to a profound realization about neurodiverse travel experiences. He and Chaya reflect on the pressure to conform to typical social activities and how fulfillment can be found off the beaten path by...
  • The liberation of discarding societal checklists
  • How being neurodivergent allows you to redefine what fun means
  • Permission to go at your own pace
  • Letting go of external judgements on what you "should" do
  • Finding tranquility in simplicity
  • Choosing travel companions who respect neurodivergent needs
    • Quotes:
    • "What may seem like nothing to an allistic person is everything to a neurodivergent."
    • "Not caring what other people may think about my version of fun, that's the big when you're a neurodivergent."
    • "That was me living in who I am as a neurodivergent, doing what is comfortable for me."
    • "We always are seeking for that approval, whether knowingly or unknowingly. And because we are a minority, the neurodivergent people, it's way more challenging for us to to be ourselves."
    As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    1356autism,autistic adults,neurodivergent,traveling while autistic,travels,vacationfalse115full    Heal The Collective: Indigenous Insights & Gender Equity w/ Michele Pricehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/heal-the-collective-indigenous-insights-gender-equity-w-michele-price--65541711
  • The evolution of leadership styles, particularly among women
  • Societal changes on women's rights and representation
  • Empathy and relationship building in leadership
  • Indigenous philosophy and the community collective
  • How generational healing can transform family legacies and communities
  • The power of asking questions
    • Quotes:
    • "In our culture, we didn't punish people for being different. We paid attention to what the differences were in our children, and we supported that."
    • "When you build healthy relationships with people and authentic relationship with people, leadership becomes so easy."
    • "Life's not about hitting a home run every time. The winningest teams in baseball focus on getting on base. How are you going to get on base?"
    • "And I always remind them, yes, you have an individual journey. That's important. And it's also important for you to remember: what do you bring to the collective journey? Because it affects you."
    About Michele Price:With over 40 years of experience in leadership development, Michele Price specializes in guiding women and non-binary individuals through transformative leadership journeys. Drawing from Indigenous wisdom, social justice, and the GADUGI framework, they empower leaders to dismantle bias, embrace empathy, and foster holistic self-leadership. Through their podcast 'Verbal Vortexes' and newsletter, they help leaders align with their vision while navigating the complexities of collective and individual purpose.Connect with Michele: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    a6229ad5-92d0-4f12-b59a-40d7efcec1b1Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Michele Price, a seasoned leadership development expert who specializes in empowering women and non-binary individuals. Through the lens of her indigenous heritage and identity, Michele shares insights on dismantling...
  • The evolution of leadership styles, particularly among women
  • Societal changes on women's rights and representation
  • Empathy and relationship building in leadership
  • Indigenous philosophy and the community collective
  • How generational healing can transform family legacies and communities
  • The power of asking questions
    • Quotes:
    • "In our culture, we didn't punish people for being different. We paid attention to what the differences were in our children, and we supported that."
    • "When you build healthy relationships with people and authentic relationship with people, leadership becomes so easy."
    • "Life's not about hitting a home run every time. The winningest teams in baseball focus on getting on base. How are you going to get on base?"
    • "And I always remind them, yes, you have an individual journey. That's important. And it's also important for you to remember: what do you bring to the collective journey? Because it affects you."
    About Michele Price:With over 40 years of experience in leadership development, Michele Price specializes in guiding women and non-binary individuals through transformative leadership journeys. Drawing from Indigenous wisdom, social justice, and the GADUGI framework, they empower leaders to dismantle bias, embrace empathy, and foster holistic self-leadership. Through their podcast 'Verbal Vortexes' and newsletter, they help leaders align with their vision while navigating the complexities of collective and individual purpose.Connect with Michele: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    2635feminine,gender,generational trauma,indigenous,mental wellness,neurodiversity,spiritualfalse114full    Mind The Risk: ADHD & Self-Acceptance with Jon Cunninghamhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mind-the-risk-adhd-self-acceptance-with-jon-cunningham--65541723
  • Psychological Effects of Negative Messaging During Childhood
  • Positive Affirmations to Combat Automatic Negative Thoughts
  • Ingrained Negative Self-Talk
  • Finding Belonging in the ADHD Community
  • Leveraging Unique Strengths Rather Than Conforming to Societal Norms
  • Developing Personalized Systems to Help Manage Daily Tasks
  • The Rollercoaster of Adult Diagnosis
  • The Unfortunate Acceptance of Disabling Aspects of Neurodiversity
    • Quotes:
    • "I always wonder, where were we taught to be perfect? Was it through somebody else's standards, which was not ours."
    • "Evolution is not going to happen if we are doing the same thing, if we are always trying to fit in and not take chances."
    • "Once we know that we've got an interest based nervous system, we know that if we are excited by something, we will follow through on it and deliver."
    About Jon Cunningham:Jon Cunningham is a UK-based entrepreneur and business mentor with over 20 years of experience in development, automation, and growth strategy. He is the founder of FlowFlows, a consultancy focused on helping businesses streamline their operations, particularly through tools like Asana, and improving their growth through automation and process optimization. Jon is also the founder of The Futureneers, a social enterprise aimed at supporting young people who struggle within traditional education systems by mentoring them to build self-belief and reach their potential.His work spans a wide range of areas, including business strategy, automation, and sales, and he is known for his hands-on approach with founders and CEOs, with a reputation for being an insightful problem solver with a straightforward, human approach to business challenges.Connect with Jon: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    0d6e54d6-fb32-4dc3-a6fc-6ada316ab5bfThu, 24 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down for an existential and suuuper ADHD conversation with entrepreneur Jon Cunningham - a conversation that is the sheer definition of "going with the flow." Together, they unravel the complexities of navigating a world misaligned...
  • Psychological Effects of Negative Messaging During Childhood
  • Positive Affirmations to Combat Automatic Negative Thoughts
  • Ingrained Negative Self-Talk
  • Finding Belonging in the ADHD Community
  • Leveraging Unique Strengths Rather Than Conforming to Societal Norms
  • Developing Personalized Systems to Help Manage Daily Tasks
  • The Rollercoaster of Adult Diagnosis
  • The Unfortunate Acceptance of Disabling Aspects of Neurodiversity
    • Quotes:
    • "I always wonder, where were we taught to be perfect? Was it through somebody else's standards, which was not ours."
    • "Evolution is not going to happen if we are doing the same thing, if we are always trying to fit in and not take chances."
    • "Once we know that we've got an interest based nervous system, we know that if we are excited by something, we will follow through on it and deliver."
    About Jon Cunningham:Jon Cunningham is a UK-based entrepreneur and business mentor with over 20 years of experience in development, automation, and growth strategy. He is the founder of FlowFlows, a consultancy focused on helping businesses streamline their operations, particularly through tools like Asana, and improving their growth through automation and process optimization. Jon is also the founder of The Futureneers, a social enterprise aimed at supporting young people who struggle within traditional education systems by mentoring them to build self-belief and reach their potential.His work spans a wide range of areas, including business strategy, automation, and sales, and he is known for his hands-on approach with founders and CEOs, with a reputation for being an insightful problem solver with a straightforward, human approach to business challenges.Connect with Jon: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    3018adhd,adhd in adults,community,neurodiversity,neurotypical world,self-awarenessfalse113full    Proud To Learn Differently: Diving Deep into Neurodivergent Educationhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/proud-to-learn-differently-diving-deep-into-neurodivergent-education--65541722
  • Understanding Neurodivergent Behaviors in Educational Settings
  • Communication Barriers
  • Expressing Emotions In a Safe and Constructive Way for All Student Types
  • Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and Its Impact on Students
  • How Implementing Simple Strategies, such as Joyful Movement, can Benefit Learners of All Ages
  • The Science of Dopamine and How To Harness It In The Classroom
  • The Critical Need of Discovering Your Personal Method of Emotionally Regulating
    • Quotes:
    • "A lot of our neurodivergent students don't have the words yet to explain what they're going through."
    • "If us as neurodivergent adults don't feel comfortable making sure that we spread that narrative, then the same traumas are just going to be repeated."
    • "Kids don't learn from people they don't like and from people they don't trust."
    • "We need to make sure that we're creating spaces where kids feel seen and heard, not just managed.
    • "You can't get made fun of for something you're proud of."
    About Lindsay Rice:Lindsay is an experienced educator with over 11 years of teaching and currently teaches 3rd grade at Ohio Avenue Elementary School in Columbus. She’s a powerful advocate for neurodivergent learners, drawing from her own experiences with ADHD and autism, as well as being a parent to three neurodivergent children.Lindsay has presented for renowned organizations like the NEA, NSTA, and ATE, and is deeply involved in initiatives aimed at building inclusive classrooms and shaping policy to better serve all students, especially those from neurodiverse and culturally diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about preparing preservice educators to support neurodivergent scholars and is currently working with NEA’s Leaders for the Just Schools Program to further that mission.Connect with Lindsay: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    6de3303a-541f-4e1f-a3ea-393c1cb1c651Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya sit down with Lindsay Rice, a passionate educator and advocate, to explore some often-overlooked complexities in the classroom. Delving into Lindsay's personal experiences as a neurodivergent individual and as a parent of neurodiverse...
  • Understanding Neurodivergent Behaviors in Educational Settings
  • Communication Barriers
  • Expressing Emotions In a Safe and Constructive Way for All Student Types
  • Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and Its Impact on Students
  • How Implementing Simple Strategies, such as Joyful Movement, can Benefit Learners of All Ages
  • The Science of Dopamine and How To Harness It In The Classroom
  • The Critical Need of Discovering Your Personal Method of Emotionally Regulating
    • Quotes:
    • "A lot of our neurodivergent students don't have the words yet to explain what they're going through."
    • "If us as neurodivergent adults don't feel comfortable making sure that we spread that narrative, then the same traumas are just going to be repeated."
    • "Kids don't learn from people they don't like and from people they don't trust."
    • "We need to make sure that we're creating spaces where kids feel seen and heard, not just managed.
    • "You can't get made fun of for something you're proud of."
    About Lindsay Rice:Lindsay is an experienced educator with over 11 years of teaching and currently teaches 3rd grade at Ohio Avenue Elementary School in Columbus. She’s a powerful advocate for neurodivergent learners, drawing from her own experiences with ADHD and autism, as well as being a parent to three neurodivergent children.Lindsay has presented for renowned organizations like the NEA, NSTA, and ATE, and is deeply involved in initiatives aimed at building inclusive classrooms and shaping policy to better serve all students, especially those from neurodiverse and culturally diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about preparing preservice educators to support neurodivergent scholars and is currently working with NEA’s Leaders for the Just Schools Program to further that mission.Connect with Lindsay: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    3990education reform,learning,neurodivergent teaching,neurodiverse students,neurodiversityfalse112full    Be Your Best Neurospicy Self with Holistic Healer Mia Lovehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/be-your-best-neurospicy-self-with-holistic-healer-mia-love--65541691
  • Societal Pressure to Conform
  • Managing Emotional Dysregulation
  • Social Overwhelm
  • Setting Internal and External Boundaries
  • Community Stigma
  • Honoring Personal Needs
  • Emotional Toll of Masking
  • Access Barriers to Treatment
    • Quotes:
    • "Figure out what things really matter. Figure out what things feel good to you. Figure out the people that feel good for you to be around and and trust."
    • "How they heal, how they transmute, transform within themselves is up to them... we have no place to make that all a judgment."
    • "Love is the ultimate goal and it’s amazing how many of our problems just go away."
    • "I unapologetically lived who I am out loud."
    About Mia Love:With over 25 years as a facilities professional in higher education at Stanford University, Mia’s passion lies in neurodiversity initiatives. She deeply understands neurodivergent thinking and AuDHD, creating inclusive and supportive environments. Her decade-long experience as a Holistic Health Practitioner fosters both academic success and holistic growth. As a TEDx and keynote speaker, Mia advocates for the Neuro-Spicy community. Through her entrepreneurial venture, Real Freedom With Love, she empowers professionals with practices like Reiki and energetic healing, combating imposter syndrome and promoting balance. Her 15+ years in hospitality highlight her ability to connect and uplift.Connect with Mia: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    d73c8c02-5ac8-4be6-ac01-5bd29412dad1Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya welcome Mia Love, a holistic health practitioner and dedicated neurodiversity advocate, to discuss how she promotes harmony between traditional western medical practices and holistic healing to foster greater self-efficacy She also...
  • Societal Pressure to Conform
  • Managing Emotional Dysregulation
  • Social Overwhelm
  • Setting Internal and External Boundaries
  • Community Stigma
  • Honoring Personal Needs
  • Emotional Toll of Masking
  • Access Barriers to Treatment
    • Quotes:
    • "Figure out what things really matter. Figure out what things feel good to you. Figure out the people that feel good for you to be around and and trust."
    • "How they heal, how they transmute, transform within themselves is up to them... we have no place to make that all a judgment."
    • "Love is the ultimate goal and it’s amazing how many of our problems just go away."
    • "I unapologetically lived who I am out loud."
    About Mia Love:With over 25 years as a facilities professional in higher education at Stanford University, Mia’s passion lies in neurodiversity initiatives. She deeply understands neurodivergent thinking and AuDHD, creating inclusive and supportive environments. Her decade-long experience as a Holistic Health Practitioner fosters both academic success and holistic growth. As a TEDx and keynote speaker, Mia advocates for the Neuro-Spicy community. Through her entrepreneurial venture, Real Freedom With Love, she empowers professionals with practices like Reiki and energetic healing, combating imposter syndrome and promoting balance. Her 15+ years in hospitality highlight her ability to connect and uplift.Connect with Mia: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    2919adhd,audhd,autistic,autistic woman,dysregulation,holistic wellness,neurodiversity,neurodiversity in business,neurospicy,woman with adhdfalse111full    Attachment Styles & Trauma: Healing The Hurts That Bind with Shoshana Cookhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/attachment-styles-trauma-healing-the-hurts-that-bind-with-shoshana-cook--65541725
  • Incorporating Multiple Treatment Modalities (CBT, DBT, etc)
  • A "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach to Mental Recovery Doesn't Exist
  • How Treatment Center Turnover Rates Affect Continuity of Care
  • Psychoeducation For Attachment Styles
  • Parts Therapy/Internal Family Systems
  • Schema
  • Systemic Changes for the Mental Health Field
  • Setting Realistic Expectations
  • Trauma Myths
  • Complexity of Attachment Styles (Avoidant, Anxious, Ambivalent)
  • Customizing Treatment Goals and Methods on an Individual Basis
    • Quotes:
    • "They believe that they're not worthy. They believe that they're not lovable. They believe that they can never have someone just someone that will stay."
    • "And even if it wasn't blatant abuse, it could be something as simple as the parent traveled a lot for work were never really around or was sick and they weren't able to show up for their child in the way that they needed to."
    • "There are a lot of misdiagnoses. There could be 20 diagnoses for a symptom. We can't just look at a symptom. We can't just throw a medication at something. What we really need to be looking at is, what is the root cause? Why are they experiencing this?"
    • "I work with clients with BPD, and they're some of the kindest, most compassionate people I've ever met. Because their trauma has made them hyper-empathetic to other people. So they're like, 'I know what it feels like to feel bad, so I always want to make sure other people don't feel bad.'"
    About Shoshana Cook:Shoshana began her career in 2019 at a non-profit adolescent lockdown facility in Maryland. She identified gaps in the system that needed change for a more ethical, individual-focused approach to take hold. After working with adults experiencing severe mental health issues, she transferred to the substance abuse and co-occurring disorder unit, staying until early 2023. Through these roles, she gained insights into treatment misconceptions and the importance of diversity. Now in private practice, she works with adults impacted by trauma, understanding that unhealed trauma often underlies many other issues."Heal it at the root and then the branches and leaves will also flourish"Connect With Shoshana: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    efe107b2-bc15-4ddc-96a2-eeb09cd7b391Thu, 03 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya chat with trauma-informed therapist Shoshana Cook, who delves into Attachment Theory, shedding light on the shortcomings in mental health treatment related to it and advocating for a more comprehensive approach.We Also Cover: -...
  • Incorporating Multiple Treatment Modalities (CBT, DBT, etc)
  • A "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach to Mental Recovery Doesn't Exist
  • How Treatment Center Turnover Rates Affect Continuity of Care
  • Psychoeducation For Attachment Styles
  • Parts Therapy/Internal Family Systems
  • Schema
  • Systemic Changes for the Mental Health Field
  • Setting Realistic Expectations
  • Trauma Myths
  • Complexity of Attachment Styles (Avoidant, Anxious, Ambivalent)
  • Customizing Treatment Goals and Methods on an Individual Basis
    • Quotes:
    • "They believe that they're not worthy. They believe that they're not lovable. They believe that they can never have someone just someone that will stay."
    • "And even if it wasn't blatant abuse, it could be something as simple as the parent traveled a lot for work were never really around or was sick and they weren't able to show up for their child in the way that they needed to."
    • "There are a lot of misdiagnoses. There could be 20 diagnoses for a symptom. We can't just look at a symptom. We can't just throw a medication at something. What we really need to be looking at is, what is the root cause? Why are they experiencing this?"
    • "I work with clients with BPD, and they're some of the kindest, most compassionate people I've ever met. Because their trauma has made them hyper-empathetic to other people. So they're like, 'I know what it feels like to feel bad, so I always want to make sure other people don't feel bad.'"
    About Shoshana Cook:Shoshana began her career in 2019 at a non-profit adolescent lockdown facility in Maryland. She identified gaps in the system that needed change for a more ethical, individual-focused approach to take hold. After working with adults experiencing severe mental health issues, she transferred to the substance abuse and co-occurring disorder unit, staying until early 2023. Through these roles, she gained insights into treatment misconceptions and the importance of diversity. Now in private practice, she works with adults impacted by trauma, understanding that unhealed trauma often underlies many other issues."Heal it at the root and then the branches and leaves will also flourish"Connect With Shoshana: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    4382anxious attachment,attachment styles,cbt,dbt,overcoming trauma,parts therapy,talking therapy,traumafalse110full    Empathy Unlimited: The Future of Neurodiverse Employment with Mark Fisterhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/empathy-unlimited-the-future-of-neurodiverse-employment-with-mark-fister--65541700
  • The Double Empathy Problem
  • The Myth of Social Incompatibility
  • Innovation Within Neurodivergent Communities
  • Psychological Safety in the Workplace
  • Blind Recruiting and Unconscious Bias
  • The Role of AI in Neurodiverse Accommodations
  • Haystack Unlimited's Video Game for Job Recruitment
    • Quotes:
    • "The fundamental problem is called unconscious human bias, which has served humans very well from an evolutionary perspective, but does not serve us well in 2024, nor will it serve us well onwards."
    • "80% of autistic people are unemployed or underemployed."
    • "They have strong deductive reasoning and sustained concentration. But over there in the job, they can't seem to do anything. They can't seem to cut butter with a with a butter knife. Why is that? There's more to this than meets the eye."
    • "Connect those words, nonjudgmental and love. Maybe that's my favorite two words connected together."
    About Mark Fister:Mark Fister is a father and husband, executive, snowboarder, technologist, trail runner, speaker, canyoneer, author, investor, and terrible chess player. Mark loves to see business and technology from as many perspectives as possible. To wit, he has held 20 different roles in the software industry at companies like Dell, IBM, eBay, PayPal, and even his own company.Recently, Mark has been learning about servant leadership. After interviewing over 100 people on the topic, he discovered he was on the autism spectrum, which brought clarity to his life. After some soul searching, he is now dedicated to ending joblessness for neurodivergents everywhere through previous work at Auticon and BeMe and now his own company, Haystack Unlimited.Connect with Mark:https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfister/https://haystackhub.com/https://servantleadershipconsulting.net/https://www.theoctopusmovement.org/Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    21065ca7-92d4-4d00-9c0c-fc35fc7eefe3Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchChaya and Mike sit down with Mark Fister, CTO of Haystack Unlimited and proud ADHDer. Mark sheds light on the challenges that neurodivergent individuals face during the interview process and day-to-day job duties, what kind of necessary accommodations...
  • The Double Empathy Problem
  • The Myth of Social Incompatibility
  • Innovation Within Neurodivergent Communities
  • Psychological Safety in the Workplace
  • Blind Recruiting and Unconscious Bias
  • The Role of AI in Neurodiverse Accommodations
  • Haystack Unlimited's Video Game for Job Recruitment
    • Quotes:
    • "The fundamental problem is called unconscious human bias, which has served humans very well from an evolutionary perspective, but does not serve us well in 2024, nor will it serve us well onwards."
    • "80% of autistic people are unemployed or underemployed."
    • "They have strong deductive reasoning and sustained concentration. But over there in the job, they can't seem to do anything. They can't seem to cut butter with a with a butter knife. Why is that? There's more to this than meets the eye."
    • "Connect those words, nonjudgmental and love. Maybe that's my favorite two words connected together."
    About Mark Fister:Mark Fister is a father and husband, executive, snowboarder, technologist, trail runner, speaker, canyoneer, author, investor, and terrible chess player. Mark loves to see business and technology from as many perspectives as possible. To wit, he has held 20 different roles in the software industry at companies like Dell, IBM, eBay, PayPal, and even his own company.Recently, Mark has been learning about servant leadership. After interviewing over 100 people on the topic, he discovered he was on the autism spectrum, which brought clarity to his life. After some soul searching, he is now dedicated to ending joblessness for neurodivergents everywhere through previous work at Auticon and BeMe and now his own company, Haystack Unlimited.Connect with Mark:https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfister/https://haystackhub.com/https://servantleadershipconsulting.net/https://www.theoctopusmovement.org/Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    3768double empathy problem,executive interview,haystack unlimited,job market,job search,neurodiversity awareness,neurodiversity in businessfalse19full    Embracing Stripes: Dyscalculia and Neurodiverse Parenting with Joshua Rastetterhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/embracing-stripes-dyscalculia-and-neurodiverse-parenting-with-joshua-rastetter--65541707
  • Feeling "Lazy" With ADHD
  • The Importance of Individualized Coping Skills
  • Dyscalculia Is Weird
  • Undiagnosed ADHD Leading To Issues With Parents
  • Managing Hyperfocus
  • The Different Definitions of Meditation
  • Individualized Coping Skills
    • Quotes:
    • "It's about removing the baseline mirage of 'normal.'”
    • "It was a real paradigm shift both for me and for my daughter because these these tricks and accommodations that I had been making for myself for years went from being something innate that I wasn't doing on purpose to something very purposeful and very intentional."
    • "When you are a zebra in a herd of horses, that is where it becomes a disorder: when you're trying to be something other than a zebra."
    • "I found myself in the same shoes as my parents where I had this internal narrative where I was saying it was laziness or it was defiance and that that I had to get her to listen. And it was frustrating for me and it was frustrating for her."
    About Josh:Joshua Rastetter is based in Texas with over 10 years of experience in SaaS applications and B2B enterprise software. Specializing in ProductOps, focusing on user-centric design, accessibility, and inclusivity. He has established product-market fit across various industries and led a diverse team of over 50 professionals across three continents. Known for quickly gaining credibility with stakeholders, Joshua brings a unique perspective as a neurodivergent father, product manager, and data nerd.Connect With Josh: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    ff0ead24-88a0-4bed-8798-06dd452ed6fdThu, 19 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchMike and Chaya chat with Joshua Rastetter, who shares an insightful perspective on navigating neurodiversity mindfully, along with valuable advice for parents navigating the spectrum alongside their children. Josh opens up about his journey with...
  • Feeling "Lazy" With ADHD
  • The Importance of Individualized Coping Skills
  • Dyscalculia Is Weird
  • Undiagnosed ADHD Leading To Issues With Parents
  • Managing Hyperfocus
  • The Different Definitions of Meditation
  • Individualized Coping Skills
    • Quotes:
    • "It's about removing the baseline mirage of 'normal.'”
    • "It was a real paradigm shift both for me and for my daughter because these these tricks and accommodations that I had been making for myself for years went from being something innate that I wasn't doing on purpose to something very purposeful and very intentional."
    • "When you are a zebra in a herd of horses, that is where it becomes a disorder: when you're trying to be something other than a zebra."
    • "I found myself in the same shoes as my parents where I had this internal narrative where I was saying it was laziness or it was defiance and that that I had to get her to listen. And it was frustrating for me and it was frustrating for her."
    About Josh:Joshua Rastetter is based in Texas with over 10 years of experience in SaaS applications and B2B enterprise software. Specializing in ProductOps, focusing on user-centric design, accessibility, and inclusivity. He has established product-market fit across various industries and led a diverse team of over 50 professionals across three continents. Known for quickly gaining credibility with stakeholders, Joshua brings a unique perspective as a neurodivergent father, product manager, and data nerd.Connect With Josh: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    2722adhd in adults,adhd kids,dyscalculia,learning challenges,neurodivergent parenting,neurodiversity,overcoming challenges,parenting,parenting insights,smart parentingfalse18full    The Macho Myth: Dismantling Toxic Masculinityhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-macho-myth-dismantling-toxic-masculinity--65541730
  • Emotional Suppression
  • Emphasizing Emotional Intelligence and Empathy As Basic Human Conditions
  • How Societal Expectations Restrict Emotional Regulation
  • The Historically Arbitrary Nature of Masculinity and Femininity
  • The Ways Neurodivergent Can Be Susceptible To Toxic Peer Pressures
  • Media Influence
  • Abuse Cycles
    • Quotes:
    • “Toxic masculinity is not just the wanting and need for respect, but feeling that you are owed respect—whether or not it's earned—and that creates a lot of anger.”
    • "One of the top ways to battle toxic masculinity is not just changing media and culture, but teaching that thinking deeply about the world and themselves is normal."
    • "I think back to previous generations where you would see depictions of fathers who'd come home and not really have anything to do with the family because that wasn't their function. That was the only way of doing things they knew."
    • "And there's also an isolating nature to toxic masculinity. Any friendship you may have with another man, you cannot be that 'close' to them because then the homophobia comes in, or you're being weak because you're leaning on a friend."
    Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    8156564e-0b10-4deb-8ad6-456c8f6c4babThu, 12 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchToxic masculinity, a pervasive and damaging set of behaviors and expectations associated with traditional masculinity, negatively impacts both men and society as a whole. In this episode, Mike and Chaya explore and expose the complexities of this...
  • Emotional Suppression
  • Emphasizing Emotional Intelligence and Empathy As Basic Human Conditions
  • How Societal Expectations Restrict Emotional Regulation
  • The Historically Arbitrary Nature of Masculinity and Femininity
  • The Ways Neurodivergent Can Be Susceptible To Toxic Peer Pressures
  • Media Influence
  • Abuse Cycles
    • Quotes:
    • “Toxic masculinity is not just the wanting and need for respect, but feeling that you are owed respect—whether or not it's earned—and that creates a lot of anger.”
    • "One of the top ways to battle toxic masculinity is not just changing media and culture, but teaching that thinking deeply about the world and themselves is normal."
    • "I think back to previous generations where you would see depictions of fathers who'd come home and not really have anything to do with the family because that wasn't their function. That was the only way of doing things they knew."
    • "And there's also an isolating nature to toxic masculinity. Any friendship you may have with another man, you cannot be that 'close' to them because then the homophobia comes in, or you're being weak because you're leaning on a friend."
    Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    2000neurodiversity,peer pressure,philosophy,pop culture,social impact,society,toxic masculinityfalse17full    Gifted Neurodivergence: Twice Exceptional, Twice To Givehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gifted-neurodivergence-twice-exceptional-twice-to-give--65541694
  • The Folly of IQ Tests
  • Misconceptions of Neurodivergent Intellect
  • Tips for Identifying 2e
  • The Reality of Giftedness vs Media Portrayals
  • Brain Structures and Functions
  • Trauma and Neurological Changes
  • Developmental Psychology
    • Quotes:
    • "Their neurodivergence is so far from the neurotypical that the things that they are processing and trying to work through -- types of existential questions or types of physiological questions."
    • "There's no coincidence that most young adult literature works this way, where you have a protagonist who's starting off seemingly normal, but things are a little bit hard for them."
    • "I do distinctly remember there being an ongoing tension where my teachers would know this about me, would have seen a score on file and been told, 'his mother doesn't want him in these the classes, so stretch him in any way you can.'"
    • "In a in a typical brain, there's a certain amount of gray matter, how many however many ounces in the fMRI scans and in autopsies. There's a greater amount of gray matter in gifted brains."
    About Youssef:Youssef Sleiman, a 2e neurodivergent professional writer, combines creativity, AI tools, and SEO expertise to make important topics engaging. As a former copywriter for top brands, Youssef harnessed tools like Frase, ChatGPT, and Google’s AI to analyze search rankings and create high-performing articles and blog posts. His unique blend of left-brain and right-brain strengths ensures cutting-edge content. Drawing from his experience as a newspaper reporter, Youssef’s problem-solving skills enhance his work as a copywriter, resulting in informative and engaging campaigns.Connect With Youssef:Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    3ea54c97-cae8-4f6d-9e10-806a1181e85cThu, 05 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchIn this episode, Mike and Chaya chat with Youssef Sleiman, a neurodivergent writer and gifted individual. Yousef details his personal journey with understanding 2e (Twice Exceptional), how he leverages his differently thinking brain to the cause of...
  • The Folly of IQ Tests
  • Misconceptions of Neurodivergent Intellect
  • Tips for Identifying 2e
  • The Reality of Giftedness vs Media Portrayals
  • Brain Structures and Functions
  • Trauma and Neurological Changes
  • Developmental Psychology
    • Quotes:
    • "Their neurodivergence is so far from the neurotypical that the things that they are processing and trying to work through -- types of existential questions or types of physiological questions."
    • "There's no coincidence that most young adult literature works this way, where you have a protagonist who's starting off seemingly normal, but things are a little bit hard for them."
    • "I do distinctly remember there being an ongoing tension where my teachers would know this about me, would have seen a score on file and been told, 'his mother doesn't want him in these the classes, so stretch him in any way you can.'"
    • "In a in a typical brain, there's a certain amount of gray matter, how many however many ounces in the fMRI scans and in autopsies. There's a greater amount of gray matter in gifted brains."
    About Youssef:Youssef Sleiman, a 2e neurodivergent professional writer, combines creativity, AI tools, and SEO expertise to make important topics engaging. As a former copywriter for top brands, Youssef harnessed tools like Frase, ChatGPT, and Google’s AI to analyze search rankings and create high-performing articles and blog posts. His unique blend of left-brain and right-brain strengths ensures cutting-edge content. Drawing from his experience as a newspaper reporter, Youssef’s problem-solving skills enhance his work as a copywriter, resulting in informative and engaging campaigns.Connect With Youssef:Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Quotes:
    • "And I guess that's that's the whole story of my life because I've been searching for so many things outside, but eventually, I end up creating them myself."
    • "The thing that you're searching for is right inside you. It's just you. You don't have to go searching for it."
    • "You truly want someone to hear you out and see you, and you don't want to be invisible."
    • "I'm super scared about when I will find a place that will truly see me, truly cherish me for who I am and the skills I have, because I don't want to save my skills or capacities for anything. I want to utilize them to do something good."
    About Navya Adhikarla:An insatiably curious and innovative designer, Navya brings an interdisciplinary perspective to complex challenges. With an engineering degree and a Duke University Master’s in Engineering Management, she has experience in program management, go-to-market consulting, tech ethics research, IT consulting, and university leadership. Navya applies human-centered, inclusive design thinking to product, marketing, strategy, and accessibility projects. Her core values of integrity, empathy, courage, and hope guide her approach.Connect with Navya:    Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>728ef16b-616e-450c-a83d-92b3cfcb8816Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchWe sit down with Navya Adhikarla, an autistic ADHDer who shares her story of social isolation and alienation both in the U.S. and India. Her lifelong struggle with identity, coupled with the roadblocks she experienced in education and business, led...
  • Neurodiversity as a Workplace Asset
  • The Complexities of Social Interaction
  • Reclaiming Identity Beyond Societal Expectations
  • Trust Through Vulnerability
  • Self-Advocacy and Self-Efficacy
  • Imposter Syndrome
  • Culture Differences in Neurodiversity Awareness Between India and United States
    • Quotes:
    • "And I guess that's that's the whole story of my life because I've been searching for so many things outside, but eventually, I end up creating them myself."
    • "The thing that you're searching for is right inside you. It's just you. You don't have to go searching for it."
    • "You truly want someone to hear you out and see you, and you don't want to be invisible."
    • "I'm super scared about when I will find a place that will truly see me, truly cherish me for who I am and the skills I have, because I don't want to save my skills or capacities for anything. I want to utilize them to do something good."
    About Navya Adhikarla:An insatiably curious and innovative designer, Navya brings an interdisciplinary perspective to complex challenges. With an engineering degree and a Duke University Master’s in Engineering Management, she has experience in program management, go-to-market consulting, tech ethics research, IT consulting, and university leadership. Navya applies human-centered, inclusive design thinking to product, marketing, strategy, and accessibility projects. Her core values of integrity, empathy, courage, and hope guide her approach.Connect with Navya:Related Reading: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    2776adhd,audhd,autistic,challenges,community,diversity and inclusion,mental health challenges,mental health in business,neurodiversityfalse15full    How Sophia Randall (Neuro)Diverged Corporate Complacencyhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-sophia-randall-neuro-diverged-corporate-complacency--65541717
  • Building Neuro-inclusive Work Environments
  • Self-Acceptance and Leaning Into "Uniqueness"
  • Fostering Empathy Among Employees
  • Work-Life Balance When Neurodivergent
  • The Toll Masking Has On Mental Health
  • Setting Boundaries At Work And Home
    • Quotes:
    • "When we talk about empathy, it's not just going to some training program and and just not a check mark that you get for yourself, but it's really about understanding the other person and how the other person operates"
    • "We're not machines. We have beautiful minds and sometimes we need a little bit of a break to have maintenance work done.
    • "I was a quiet rebel, I never spoke up, and I didn't know my own power, my own inner strength."
    • "It's so important for the neurodivergent community to shut those negative comments off because they'll keep coming. It's up to us to build that that wall, that boundary, that fort around us, because we cannot control other people. We cannot control how people behave, but we have power within ourselves to move to an environment that respects us.
    About Sophia Randall:Sophia Randall is an adept professional with extensive experience in business and project management. Passionate about embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) principles into every facet of business management and leadership, she collaborates closely with stakeholders to translate overarching goals into practical, inclusive strategies. With a background in Professional Psychology, focusing on Industrial and Organizational Psychology, she addresses both the operational and human dimensions of organizations, creating a truly efficient workplace.Connect With Sophia: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    32deb955-46a3-4144-9064-fc7fc69f2195Thu, 22 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchWe welcome "Head Boss Woman" Sophia Randall onto the show to share her personal journey of navigating an unkind corporate world, how she honed her neurodivergent traits to thrive, and the impact mirroring behaviors had on her mental, emotional, and...
  • Building Neuro-inclusive Work Environments
  • Self-Acceptance and Leaning Into "Uniqueness"
  • Fostering Empathy Among Employees
  • Work-Life Balance When Neurodivergent
  • The Toll Masking Has On Mental Health
  • Setting Boundaries At Work And Home
    • Quotes:
    • "When we talk about empathy, it's not just going to some training program and and just not a check mark that you get for yourself, but it's really about understanding the other person and how the other person operates"
    • "We're not machines. We have beautiful minds and sometimes we need a little bit of a break to have maintenance work done.
    • "I was a quiet rebel, I never spoke up, and I didn't know my own power, my own inner strength."
    • "It's so important for the neurodivergent community to shut those negative comments off because they'll keep coming. It's up to us to build that that wall, that boundary, that fort around us, because we cannot control other people. We cannot control how people behave, but we have power within ourselves to move to an environment that respects us.
    About Sophia Randall:Sophia Randall is an adept professional with extensive experience in business and project management. Passionate about embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) principles into every facet of business management and leadership, she collaborates closely with stakeholders to translate overarching goals into practical, inclusive strategies. With a background in Professional Psychology, focusing on Industrial and Organizational Psychology, she addresses both the operational and human dimensions of organizations, creating a truly efficient workplace.Connect With Sophia: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    5043corporate culture,diversity equity inclusion and,inclusive business practices,neurodivergent challenges,neurodivergent woman,woman with adhdfalse14full    Maybe Nothing Happens for a Reason?https://www.spreaker.com/episode/maybe-nothing-happens-for-a-reason--65541735
  • How Deterministic Views Harm Mental Health
  • Early Mental Health Intervention Awareness
  • Peer Support's Transformative Nature
  • The Infinite Possibilities in Chaos Theory
  • Authentic Emotional Validation
  • Beauty in Imperfection
    • Quotes:
    • "We've been told to always smile and say it's a good day."
    • "It's not nihilistic to say that we're insignificant, it's very beautiful and empowering."
    • "I love hearing about other people's experiences because I never thought there would be anyone else who feels exactly like I feel."
    • "Every individual has a story. Every behavior has a reason."
    As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    1ec64e2f-eb09-46ed-8538-06bda0fa8217Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000Spark Launch"Everything happens for a reason." Or does it? Mike and Chaya dissect this common idiom and its negative impact on individuals facing challenging situations. They explore the meaning of toxic positivity, importance of personal agency, and how Mike's...
  • How Deterministic Views Harm Mental Health
  • Early Mental Health Intervention Awareness
  • Peer Support's Transformative Nature
  • The Infinite Possibilities in Chaos Theory
  • Authentic Emotional Validation
  • Beauty in Imperfection
    • Quotes:
    • "We've been told to always smile and say it's a good day."
    • "It's not nihilistic to say that we're insignificant, it's very beautiful and empowering."
    • "I love hearing about other people's experiences because I never thought there would be anyone else who feels exactly like I feel."
    • "Every individual has a story. Every behavior has a reason."
    As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    2836mental health,neurodiversity,philosophy,self-belief,suicide,suicide awareness,toxic positivityfalse13full    Asynchronous Academia with ADHD Coach Craig Maier, PhDhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asynchronous-academia-with-adhd-coach-craig-maier-phd--65541732
  • Incorporating Interests to Boost Learning Engagement
  • Breaking Educational Conformity
  • Asynchronous Approaches for a Neurodivergent Child's Development
  • Social Interaction Woes and Anxieties
  • The Institutionalized Gaps in Neurodiversity Awareness
    • Quotes:
    • "If we can find what interests you, what you’re really passionate about, then we can start to direct effort toward that."
    • "I think that my interests were completely normal, but given where I was in the community that I grew up with, it was like coming from another planet."
    • "If someone had taken the time to talk with me at 15, 16 and really talk with me, I think that would have really changed my life."
    About Craig Maier:A former university professor with a doctorate in interpersonal, organizational, and ethical communication, Craig is a coach certified by the International Coaching Federation and a Parent Consultant for ADHD certified by the Institute for Integrative Learning Therapy and Advanced Education in Germany, and also holds certifications in coaching neurodivergent learners and trauma-informed and body-oriented coaching.He has transformed his experiences and cultivated knowledge into a powerful coaching approach, one which emphasizes and recognizes the individual, first and foremost.Connect with Craig: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    f8ff5391-c9e8-4540-9d27-72577382267cThu, 08 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchChaya and Mike chat with Craig Maier, a dedicated ADHD Coach at Spark Launch, who shares his story of alienation and bullying while growing up neurodivergent in a small town. Craig details how these negative experiences aid in nurturing his son's own...
  • Incorporating Interests to Boost Learning Engagement
  • Breaking Educational Conformity
  • Asynchronous Approaches for a Neurodivergent Child's Development
  • Social Interaction Woes and Anxieties
  • The Institutionalized Gaps in Neurodiversity Awareness
    • Quotes:
    • "If we can find what interests you, what you’re really passionate about, then we can start to direct effort toward that."
    • "I think that my interests were completely normal, but given where I was in the community that I grew up with, it was like coming from another planet."
    • "If someone had taken the time to talk with me at 15, 16 and really talk with me, I think that would have really changed my life."
    About Craig Maier:A former university professor with a doctorate in interpersonal, organizational, and ethical communication, Craig is a coach certified by the International Coaching Federation and a Parent Consultant for ADHD certified by the Institute for Integrative Learning Therapy and Advanced Education in Germany, and also holds certifications in coaching neurodivergent learners and trauma-informed and body-oriented coaching.He has transformed his experiences and cultivated knowledge into a powerful coaching approach, one which emphasizes and recognizes the individual, first and foremost.Connect with Craig: As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    3498adhd coach,adhd kids,adhd parenting,coaching,german education system,neurodiversity awarenessfalse12full    "Why Are We Here?" Our Neurodivergent Journeyhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-are-we-here-our-neurodivergent-journey--65541731
  • Authenticity as a Catalyst for Growth
  • Redefining "Weirdness"
  • Unmasking Your Neurodiverse Voice
  • Embracing Self-Compassion
  • Societal Expectations Leading to Mental Health Challenges
    • Quotes:
    • "It takes courage to be yourself in a world that constantly tries to make you something else."
    • "Healing doesn't mean the absence of pain. It means making peace with it."
    • "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken."
    • "It's okay not to have all the answers. The most important thing is to keep asking questions."
    Subscribe for all our future interviews and deep dives, together we can strengthen the neurodiverse community. As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    4fea23ce-24c8-42c1-b9b0-c3d66a918218Thu, 01 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchEver wonder why we're here? Why we exist? In our debut episode, hosts Mike and Chaya aim to explain why they've created this podcast along with how it ties into the grander question of finding your neurodivergent place in a neurotypical world. They...
  • Authenticity as a Catalyst for Growth
  • Redefining "Weirdness"
  • Unmasking Your Neurodiverse Voice
  • Embracing Self-Compassion
  • Societal Expectations Leading to Mental Health Challenges
    • Quotes:
    • "It takes courage to be yourself in a world that constantly tries to make you something else."
    • "Healing doesn't mean the absence of pain. It means making peace with it."
    • "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken."
    • "It's okay not to have all the answers. The most important thing is to keep asking questions."
    Subscribe for all our future interviews and deep dives, together we can strengthen the neurodiverse community. As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    2212adhd,autism,mental health awareness,neurodivergent adults,neurodiversity,self-discovery,talent and purposefalse11full    Spark Launch: Lighting Up Neurodiversityhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/spark-launch-lighting-up-neurodiversity--65541728Music provided by Audio Library Plus
    Watch: • Feel — Land of Fire | Free Background...
    Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/feel
    –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    4882c443-198c-4dfc-866d-f7720c979fe8Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000Spark LaunchWelcome to Spark Launch, a new vibrant space for the neurodivergent mind!Subscribe today to hear insightful stories from an assorted range of neurodiverse and neurotypical voices, discover effective mental health strategies, and embrace a person-first...Music provided by Audio Library Plus
    Watch: • Feel — Land of Fire | Free Background...
    Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/feel
    –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:]]>    53false1trailer