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This episode really made me think about my bendy body in a new way. We got into how the body and mind are connected through fascia, and honestly it transformed how I understand things like stress, ADHD, and nervous system healing. We talk about fascia, embodiment, and neurodivergence, especially for people who feel stuck in their heads or overwhelmed by their feelings. Curious what else is inside: Why “just breathe” advice does not always work on its own How ADHD brains need physical action to understand and process things The idea that your body is more fluid than solid, and why that matters There is a moment where we realize that mental overwhelm might actually be unprocessed physical tension in the body. And another where it clicks that movement is not just exercise, it is a way to process emotions. This episode might resonate if you: Feel overwhelmed by your thoughts or emotions Struggle to stay consistent unless something works right away Deal with chronic pain, fatigue, or symptoms that feel unexplained This is something I see a lot in coaching too. People try to solve everything in their minds and keep collecting information, but they do not have a way to actually use it to move forward. If that is you, you are not failing nor are you broken. You might just need a more body based way to approach life. If you're looking for compassionate support with that: 👉https://www.ndreportpod.com/coaching Looking for Anna? Website: gstbody.com Instagram: @gstbody & @annarahe

w/ Kelly Smith from "Mindful in Minutes" We've all been told to try meditation. But some of our brains rebel against us when we try; your brain won’t slow down, your thoughts get louder, and you just get more dysregulated. What if the problem isn’t you… but how meditation has been taught? In this episode, we explore: “But I Can’t Meditate”: Sarah and Kelly reflect on initially rejecting meditation as something their brains couldn’t do. The Strategy: Meditation as single-pointed focus (not “emptying your mind”)... and why short, guided practices work best for neurodivergent brains. Protecting Your Peace: How the nervous system, the 90-second stress response, and constant stimulation keep us stuck in fight-or-flight. Unexpected Human Detail: Goat cheese metaphors, self-doubt, and a real conversation about learning to be kinder to yourself. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: 1. How to build a meditation practice for ADHD brains? 2. What actually happens in your brain when you meditate for 8 weeks? 3. What is the purpose of meditation for neurodivergent people? Resources Mentioned: Kelly Smith’s podcast "Mindful in Minutes" ⁠ Connect With Us! ⁠ndreportpod.com⁠/contact Follow us on all the socials @NDreportpod

Featuring: Cate Osborn & Eric Gude Authors of "The ADHD Field Guide for Adults" What happens when you finally get the thing you’ve worked toward for years before you suddenly realize you can’t sustain it? This conversation dives into the grief, identity shifts, and radical self-honesty at the heart of the ADHD experience. Understanding the ADHD Journey Living with ADHD can feel like navigating a winding road. Each twist and turn brings new challenges and revelations. In this episode, we explore the unique experiences of Cate and Eric, who share their personal journeys and insights. The Tower Moment Cate’s 2018 medical crisis and late ADHD diagnosis reframed her entire life. Meanwhile, Eric’s teenage realization that effort alone couldn’t override his brain shattered his “mind over matter” narrative. These pivotal moments shaped their understanding of themselves and their ADHD. The Identity Grief Spiral From dreams of being a Shakespeare professor to pivoting to a professional sourdough baker, we unpack the heartbreak of loving something deeply — and still having to let it go. It’s a tough but necessary part of the journey. The Field Guide Framework Their book is designed as a non-linear, shame-free resource. It teaches readers how to name their wants, needs, strengths, and limits. This approach moves away from one-size-fits-all solutions, allowing for a more personalized experience. Protecting Your Peace We discuss the importance of radical patience — with yourself, with neurotypicals, and with the parts of you that are still learning. Plus, we highlight the power of asking directly for what you want without apology. It’s all about finding your voice and advocating for your needs. The Very Human Stuff We share relatable anecdotes, from Wednesday Addams airport pickups to Renaissance festivals. There are ungraded papers from 10 years ago, sourdough at 3 AM, and the simple act of touching grass and trees to regulate. We also touch on the fear of liking something too much. These moments remind us of our shared humanity. Key Questions Answered in the Audio Why does life with ADHD feel like an ongoing cycle of grief and reinvention? How do you tell the difference between “this is hard” and “this isn’t for me”? What does it actually mean to be a fearless student of your own brain? Resources Mentioned The ADHD Field Guide for Adults by Cate Osborn & Eric Gude Website: Catieosaurus.com + national tour info Follow @Catieosaurus & @HeyGude (Eric) on TikTok/IG Cate and Eric’s Infinite Quest (podcast): Infinite Quest Podcast Sorry, I Missed This (podcast): Sorry, I Missed This Conclusion This episode is a treasure trove of insights and experiences. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our journeys. Embracing our unique paths can lead to greater understanding and acceptance. Connect With Us! Visit ndreportpod.com and follow us @NDreportpod on all the socials! Let’s continue this conversation and support each other on our journeys.

Featuring Matthew Seneshen, clinical counselor & educator specializing in neurodiversity and workplace mental health How do you survive at work when the system expects you to prove you’re struggling before it offers help? In this episode, we explore: Neurodiversity & Identity Early diagnosis, dysgraphia, and processing differences Shifting from “broken” to understanding neurodivergence as natural variation Workplace Reality Why accommodations often fail in real-world settings The gap between inclusive policies and actual day-to-day experiences Stigma, “othering,” and the pressure to self-disclose Systems & Models Medical model vs. social model of disability Introducing the biopsychosocial approach to workplace support Why workplaces struggle to implement meaningful change Universal Design & Solutions Moving from individual accommodations to universal workplace design Collaborative, proactive support instead of reactive gatekeeping Why supporting all workers improves outcomes (and retention) Self-Advocacy & Boundaries How to communicate needs without over-pathologizing yourself Knowing your “line” at work before burnout hits Navigating conflict with managers and systems Mental Health & Meaning Separating your worth from productivity Values-based work and identity outside of your job Grief, burnout, and rebuilding a sense of self Key Questions Answered in the Audio: Why do workplaces require proof of struggle before offering support? How do you know in advance if an accommodation will be helpful or sustainable? How do you advocate for yourself without oversharing or stigmatizing yourself? Looking For Matt? https://walktalkcounselling.com/about Email: ⁠Contact@walktalkcounselling.com ⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-seneshen-5347ab172/ Connect With Us! ndreportpod.com/contact Follow us on all the socials @NDreportpod

Featuring: Janet Jay, writer and advocate exploring intersection of chronic pain, ADHD, and community care How do you navigate life when your body and your brain aren’t cooperating & there’s no system in place to provide support? In this episode, we explore: Chronic Pain & ADHD Overlap between chronic pain and ADHD Adult ADHD diagnosis and identity shift Navigating Systems Barriers within the healthcare system Using technology/AI to manage care and information Community & Support Community as a survival tool Finding and building supportive networks Coping & Regulation Practical coping tools and workarounds Creative practices as regulation (knitting, art, movement) Life Integration Parenting, emotional regulation, and nervous system support Grief, resilience, and meaning-making Building a life that works with your limitations, not against them Key Questions Answered in the Audio: How do you build a meaningful life when your body and brain both create barriers? What actually helps when the healthcare system fails you? How do you find (or build) community that truly gets it? Resources Mentioned: JanetJay.com (blog, tools, and upcoming projects) The US Pain Foundation + The Invisible Project magazine: https://uspainfoundation.org/ Our Painful Truth Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPainfulTruth Connect With Us! ndreportpod.com Follow us on socials @NDreportpod

What happens when your softness isn’t perceived as a weakness but your strategy for sustainability? This episode challenges the idea that activism has to be loud, dangerous, or perfect to make a difference. In this episode, we explore: Women’s Work is Political: Jocie breaks down how reclaiming knitting as activism is both intentional and disruptive. Small Impact Still Counts: From classrooms to community hats, we assert that changing even one life is meaningful & why quantitative scale isn’t the only measure of impact. "Everyone is big enough to do something" Framework from Mister Rogers: Craftivism becomes an accessible entry point for people who can’t engage in traditional activism but still want to contribute in tangible ways. Protecting Your Peace: We talk about perfectionism, the “digital HOA,” and how fear of doing it wrong stops people from doing anything at all. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: Is craftivism “enough” to make a real difference? How do you contribute to change if your body/brain/nervous system can’t tolerate traditional activism? What does a sustainable craftivism practice actually look like? Looking for Jocie & The CVNT Collective? CVNT Collective –⁠ https://cvntcollective.org⁠ Instagram: @cvnt.collective Join our crafting community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1827428261337223⁠ Donate, shop, craft, or share to support the mission! Connect With Us! ⁠ndreportpod.com⁠ Follow us on all the socials @NDreportpod

Struan's Story of Diagnosis & Identity Reformation Featuring:  Struan Mackenzie, former UK civil servant & creator of the YouTube channel Am I Neurodivergent? This is a conversation about burnout, identity collapse, and reformation. In this episode, we explore: The Late Diagnosis: From a stress breakdown to a deep dive into autism research. Struan suddenly realized that his entire life made sense. The Identity Reformation: Another non-linear journey of diagnosis. Struan transitioned from ASD to combined-type ADHD, and eventually discovered AuDHD. He shares how each diagnosis both clarified and destabilized his sense of self, including the process of deconstructing internalized ableism. Protecting Your Peace: Struan discusses scripting work meetings for hours during COVID and redefining his relationship with alcohol and social energy. He’s learning to honor his nervous system instead of pushing through it. The Unexpected Human Detail: Struan reflects on childhood quirks, like lining up toy cars in perfect order or hiding inside a bookcase. These behaviors went unrecognized at the time but now read like a neon sign for autism. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: Why were so many high-achieving neurodivergent adults missed in childhood, especially in the 70s, 80s, and 90s? What does cyclical burnout actually look like, and where does it come from? How does alcohol uniquely affect autistic and ADHD nervous systems, and why does the crash hit so hard? Looking for Struan? YouTube Channel Connect With Us: Website @NDreportpod on all the socials! Understanding Neurodivergence Neurodivergence is a term that encompasses a variety of neurological differences. This includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Each of these conditions presents unique challenges and strengths. Understanding these differences is crucial for fostering a supportive environment. The Importance of Late Diagnosis Many neurodivergent individuals receive their diagnoses later in life. This can lead to feelings of relief but also confusion. For Struan, the late diagnosis was a pivotal moment. It allowed him to connect the dots of his past experiences. He realized that many of his struggles were linked to his neurodivergent traits. Identity and Self-Understanding Identity is fluid, especially for those who are neurodivergent. Struan's journey through various diagnoses illustrates this beautifully. Each label brought clarity but also new challenges. It’s essential to embrace this complexity and understand that identity is not fixed. Navigating Burnout Burnout is a common experience for neurodivergent individuals. Struan's insights into cyclical burnout shed light on this issue. Recognizing the signs of burnout can help in managing it effectively. It’s about finding balance and learning to listen to your body. Alcohol and Neurodivergence The relationship between alcohol and neurodivergence is complex. Struan discusses how alcohol affects his nervous system. Understanding this can help others make informed choices about their consumption. It’s important to prioritize mental health and well-being. Embracing Quirks Struan's childhood quirks are a reminder of the uniqueness of neurodivergent individuals. These behaviors, often dismissed, are part of what makes each person special. Embracing these quirks can lead to greater self-acceptance and understanding. Building a Supportive Community Creating a supportive community is vital for neurodivergent individuals. Sharing experiences, like Struan does, fosters understanding and reduces stigma. It’s about building connections and supporting one another on this journey. Conclusion Struan's story is one of resilience and discovery. His journey through diagnosis and identity reformation is inspiring. It reminds us that understanding ourselves is a lifelong process. We can learn from each other and grow together. In this article, I hope you found insights that resonate with your own experiences. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Embrace your uniqueness and continue to seek understanding.

Featuring: Dr. Melisa Moore, licensed psychologist & board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist In this episode, we explore: You’re Not a Bad Parent: Is there a rational reason why I struggle with sleep routines as a parent? “Adolescent Circadian Shift”: What do child development studies tell us about early morning wake-ups for adolescents? The Five S’s to Sleep Routines : What does it actually take to build a nighttime routine for neurodivergent kids? Protecting Your Peace: How to make sure we don’t sacrifice connection for perfection at bedtime? Unexpected Human Detail: This sleep specialist tells the story of supporting her AuDHD son & his late-night snacking habit... sometimes its ok to leave your kids lemon Oreos on the nightstand Key Questions Answered in the Audio: 1. Why does traditional sleep hygiene advice often fail neurodivergent families? 2. Is screen time always the villain at bedtime or does distraction sometimes help a busy brain fall asleep? 3. How do sleep associations (like co-sleeping or listening to videos) affect middle-of-the-night wakeups? Resources Mentioned: The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids by Dr. Melisa Moore [https://newworldlibrary.com/product/the-good-sleep-guide-for-neurodivergent-kids] drmelissamoore.com @drmelisamoore @NewWorldLibrary Connect With Us! ndreportpod.com Follow @NDreportpod on all the socials!

Diagnosed at four. Told what she “wouldn’t” do. Now she’s training for triathlons while juggling college, sensory needs, and full-time endurance sport. In this episode, we explore: Importance of Parental Support: Doctors predicted limits. Her parents built a support network instead. Running Changed My Life: Medication made her feel flat and lethargic. Running regulated her nervous system & finally changed everything. Color-Coded Chaos: Google Calendar. Daily check-ins. Flexible rescheduling. Protecting Your Peace: tips for managing sensory overwhelm Plastic Feet Totem: cute story about how movement + tangible goals = motivation. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: How do you train for Ironman without burning out? What does early autism support actually look like? How do you juggle school, sport, and sensory regulation without melting down? Looking for Adrienne? ⁠TriGirlAdrienne.com⁠ IG: trigirl_16 Connect with us! ⁠NDReportPod.com⁠ Follow us @NDreportpod on all of the socials!

Featuring: Peter Shankman, entrepreneur, founder of Source of Sources, and early architect of the AOL newsroom Before the internet became corporate and slow, it was chaos... and a lot of it was built by neurodivergent brains moving fast and breaking things. Peter Shankman joins Sarah to talk about helping build the AOL newsroom, quitting the corporate meeting machine, and accidentally creating one of the most powerful media networking tools on the internet. In this episode, we explore: The First Real Job: Peter lands at America Online in the 90s (back when AOL was the internet) and helps create the AOL Newsroom by experimenting & moving fast. The Identity Shift: Next, Peter tries a traditional media job and immediately hits a wall: endless meetings, zero momentum, and a structure that was never gonna work for him. Protecting Your Peace: Find the workaround for you: if the system isn’t working, try something new. Unexpected Human Detail: Peter grew up in NYC, went to the Fame school (High School of Performing Arts) as a vocal major, sang for decades, and still wakes up around 3 AM to give his ADHD brain quiet time to think. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: Why do so many ADHD people end up building companies or working in startups? What was it actually like inside AOL when the internet was first exploding? How can creators, podcasters, and entrepreneurs get press and media attention without hiring a PR firm? Resources Mentioned: Source of Sources (SOS) – connect journalists and experts https://sourceofsources.com Peter Shankman https://www.shankman.com Follow Peter on social (@petershankman) Connect With Us! Contact Us Follow us on all the socials @NDreportpod

Featuring: Jonathan Katz-Ouziel, autistic accessibility consultant and founder of Opossum House Accessibility What happens when autism is diagnosed early, supported well, and allowed to stay joyful — and how OCD complicates (and sometimes sharpens) everything that comes after In this episode, we explore: - Early Diagnosis Moment: what it was like being diagnosed autistic at age three in the 1990s, and how access, parental belief, and early support shape sense of self - The Identity Shift: From masking in a conformist school system to reclaiming autism as something fun, social, and deeply human — while naming the privilege baked into his journey - Creating Workarounds & Framework: How OCD-driven rituals around time, sleep, and lists evolved into autistic-friendly executive function systems that actually support his work - Calming Sensory Needs: Why unmet sensory needs can amplify OCD, how light and heat regulation matter, and what it means to design life around nervous system safety - Random moments: Eggplants are botanically berries, opossums are the ultimate autistic mascot, and leaning into “cringe” is a survival strategy Key Questions Answered in the Audio: 1. How do autism and OCD interact — and when does one help or hinder the other? 2. What does accessibility actually look like beyond ramps and compliance checklists? 3. Is starting a business as a neurodivergent person empowering or a fast track to burnout? Resources Mentioned: Opossum House Accessibility (Jonathan’s consulting practice) ⁠ https://www.opossumhouseaccessibility.com/⁠ Jonathan Katz-Ouziel on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-katz-ouziel-cpacc-6b098334/⁠ Connect With Us ⁠⁠ https://www.ndreportpod.com/⁠ ⁠Follow @ndreportpod on your social platform of choice

Ft: Karen Kossow, disability advocate, neurodivergent parent, and co-founder of Faircare Idaho What happens when parenting, disability, hormones, and burnout collide — and the systems meant to support you quietly disappear? In this episode, we explore: Brain Fog + Burnout = Breaking Point Sarah gets vulnerable about worsening brain fog and fatigue, opening a larger conversation about perimenopause, disability, and survival under constant strain. Late Recognition & Reframing Expectations Karen talks parenting autistic kids, navigating Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and the loss of access of familiar coping mechanisms during perimenopause. The Reality of Caregiving Without Support: Why paid family caregiver programs matter, what happens when they’re cut, and how unpaid labor props up broken socioeconomic systems. Develop Self-Care Rituals: Learning to read non-verbal body signals, prioritize finite energy, and practice nervous system rest & regulation instead of pushing through. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: 1. How do I know I’m doing too much? 2. Why are families expected to survive without real systemic support? 3. What practical nervous system grounding tools actually help when you’re already overwhelmed & over-scheduled? Resources Mentioned: Karen Kossow’s Substack — Self-Care Support Squad ⁠ https://karenkossow.substack.com/⁠ Faircare Idaho (family paid caregiving advocacy) ⁠ https://faircareidaho.substack.com/⁠ Connect With Us ⁠ https://www.ndreportpod.com/ ⁠Follow @ndreportpod on your social platform of choice