Divergent Conversations

Latest Episodes:

Episode 74: OCD (Part 1): An Introduction to OCD Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often oversimplified and misrepresented, turning a complex mental health condition into a stereotype of mere cleanliness or orderliness. For those who struggle with it, the reality is far more nuanced, affecting many aspects of daily life and self-perception.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, provide a compassionate, insightful conversation about the perceptions, identities, and experiences tied to OCD.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Gain a better understanding of OCD as a mental health condition, how it differs from commonly held misconceptions, and why self-determination and neurodivergent-affirming practices are crucial.
Hear personal stories about living with OCD, from intrusive thoughts and auditory hallucinations to coping mechanisms, and learn how these experiences align—or clash—with other neurodivergent conditions like autism and ADHD.
Discover strategies for reducing stigma and opened discussions around OCD and mental health, emphasizing the importance of community, support, and educated perspectives.

When exploring more about OCD, especially within yourself or in support of others, remember that understanding and compassion are key. Equip yourself with knowledge, seek out supportive communities, and always prioritize your mental well-being.

Resource:

Related Neurodivergent Insights Article: What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/obsessive-compulsive-disorder

————————————————————————————————

🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources

————————————————————————————————

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

Divergent Conversations Undergroundis a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com

————————————————————————————————

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 73: Chronic Health (Part 4): All Brains Belong [featuring Dr. Mel Houser] Sep 27, 2024

Show notes

Neuroimmune systems often intertwine with chronic health and neurodivergence, leaving neurodivergent individuals grappling with things like energy management, chronic fatigue, or other long-term health conditions.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Mel Houser, an Autistic family physician, about the intricate dynamics of chronic health, energy management, and the often-overlooked connection between neuroimmune systems and neurodivergence.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Gain a deeper understanding of post-exertional malaise (PEM) and how recognizing one's limits can help in avoiding the debilitating crash that often follows overexertion.
Using real-life experiences, understand the systemic challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals within a traditional healthcare model, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and community support.
Discover practical strategies and tools from Dr. Houser on identifying environmental triggers and making manageable adjustments to improve health, particularly for autistic and ADHD adults.

As you navigate your own healthcare journey, remember to honor your limits, seek out community, and advocate for the care you deserve.

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice.

More about Dr. Mel Houser:

Dr. Mel Houser (she/they) is an Autistic family physician with a clinical focus on providing primary care for neurodivergent patients across the lifespan. She is the Founder and Executive Director of All Brains Belong VT, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Montpelier, Vermont that uses universal design principles to provide neurodiversity-affirming medical care, social connection opportunities for all ages, and neurodiversity-related educational training. At age 37, Dr. Houser was diagnosed as autistic, ADHD, dyspraxic, dyslexic, and dyscalculic. She is also the parent of an autistic 6-year-old, who is her guru of so many keys to the universe.

Website: allbrainsbelong.org
Get Connected: allbrainsbelong.org/get-connected
Clinician Resources: allbrainsbelong.org/clinician-resources
Instagram: @allbrainsbelongvt
Bateman Horne Center Website: batemanhornecenter.org

Check out All Brains Belong’s project: Everything is Connected to Everything: Improving the Healthcare of Autistic & ADHD Adults provides health education resources to support people with this constellation of intertwined conditions, as well as strategies for discussing the project with medical providers. There is also a Clinician Guide with a combination of evidence-based practice and the lived experiences of more than 100 Autistic and ADHD community members.

Here's the link to the project: allbrainsbelong.org/all-the-things

————————————————————————————————

🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

————————————————————————————————

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 72: Chronic Health (Part 3): Megan’s Biopsychosocial Assessment Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

By exploring biopsychosocial aspects of life, it can become easier to understand our nervous systems from a holistic perspective offering more options to improve our quality of life with simple and manageable changes.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, explore the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic fatigue and long COVID, and how these affect one's social life and overall health through the lens of Megan’s experiences.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Learn about realistic and attainable goal-setting to overall health using a biopsychosocial approach, highlighting why it's important to avoid extremes and embrace small, achievable changes.
Gain insight into how personal struggles and professional advice sometimes contradict, as well as discover a more holistic perspective that underscores the importance of authenticity.
Discover the psychological and biological dimensions of Megan’s chronic fatigue and long COVID, and how these affect her social life and overall health.

As you listen, consider how you can apply these discussions to your own life, setting realistic goals and fostering a sense of balance. Make self-care a priority, and remember that small, positive changes can create ripple effects that significantly enhance your mental and physical health.

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice.

Resources:

Biopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W8zJvBOcokPqW2OIi70hIhlqmJcowdKA/view?usp=sharing

————————————————————————————————

🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

————————————————————————————————

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 71: Chronic Health (Part 2): Patrick’s Biopsychosocial Assessment Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

A lot can be learned about our nervous system and needs by looking at biopsychosocial aspects of life.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, explore the biopsychosocial aspects of sleep and how they intersect with mental health through the lens of Patrick’s experiences.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Gain insight into Patrick Casale's ongoing battle with sleep issues, from his childhood to the present day, and learn how various factors—like sleep environment, hydration habits, and caffeine intake—impact his nights.
Hear Dr. Neff's expert advice on practical strategies for better sleep, including the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) and small, manageable changes that can make a big difference over time.
Understand the biopsychosocial dimensions of sleep disturbances, including how stress, rumination, and hypervigilance can disrupt your rest, and discover methods to counter these challenges through visualization and grounding exercises.

If you struggle with sleep, consider doing a biopsychosocial assessment for yourself, and find the small changes you can implement to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice.

Resources:

Patrick’s Biopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download: drive.google.com/file/d/1W5SwQ1x3gmEc6fnpVyMjhPUfzFwI2A07/view?usp=sharing
Biopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download: drive.google.com/file/d/1W8zJvBOcokPqW2OIi70hIhlqmJcowdKA/view?usp=sharing
Sleep Resource (Neurodivergent Article): neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/autism-adhd-and-sleep
Sleep Workbook (Neurodivergent Insights): neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/sleep (Use Code: DCPOD for 25% off)

————————————————————————————————

🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

————————————————————————————————

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 70: Chronic Health (Part 1): Biopsychosocial Approach to Chronic Health Issues Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

Dealing with chronic health issues can often feel like a neverending battle, especially when it seems like there’s no clear path to improvement.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss their personal battles with chronic health conditions. They provide an insightful analysis using the biopsychosocial model, share their experiences, and introduce this new series on chronic health issues for neurodivergent individuals.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Gain practical insights into managing chronic health struggles through the biopsychosocial model, which considers the interconnected biological, psychological, and social factors affecting well-being.
Discover the power of setting concrete, manageable goals to tackle issues such as sleep, depression, and chronic pain, and learn strategies to cultivate self-efficacy and align your actions with your values.
Learn how diet, exercise, and behavioral health perspectives play crucial roles in managing complex medical conditions, and hear about the hosts' personal plans to focus on movement and diet for improved health.

As you embark on your own journey to better health, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Identify one tangible goal you can work on today, and consider the broader biopsychosocial factors influencing your well-being. Reflect on how you can take actionable steps, no matter how small, towards living a more value-aligned life.

————————————————————————————————

🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

————————————————————————————————

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 69: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs (#5): Unmasking The Person and Professional [featuring Maureen Werrbach] Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

Navigating the complexities of personal identity and public presentation can be incredibly challenging, especially for those in the neurodivergent community with later-in-life discovery who have crafted a well-established public identity and role.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, meet with Maureen Werrbach to discuss the complexities of finding balance between personal identity and public presentation. This deep dive into the experiences of neurodivergent individuals shines a light on the challenges and triumphs of embracing one's true self amidst societal and professional expectations.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Immerse yourself in the personal journeys of Maureen Werrbach, Patrick Casale, and Dr. Neff as they discuss how their diagnoses of ADHD and autism have reshaped their lives both personally and professionally. Hear firsthand accounts of unmasking and embracing authentic identities.
Gain insights into the power of vulnerability, and the fine balance required to share personal experiences publicly without losing oneself. Understand how different mediums of communication can impact this delicate balance.
Explore the intersection of identity and leadership, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Learn from Maureen’s experience of integrating her social justice beliefs and personal values into her business, and the importance of creating accountable and inclusive leadership teams.

As you listen to this episode, reflect on your own journey of self-discovery and how you can embrace and advocate for your true self. Consider how your unique identity shapes your interactions and contributions, both in your personal and professional life.

More about Maureen:

Maureen developed her coaching program, The Group Practice Exchange, based not only on her own experience with starting her private practice but also growing it into a successful group practice.

She spent countless hours researching how to start a private practice (the legal and procedural steps) and then many more hours learning how to grow it into a group (again trying to figure out the appropriate steps). Through trial and error, she learned what works and what doesn’t in running a counseling group practice.

Maureen thoroughly enjoy helping clinicians become confident and organized group practice business owners.

Website: thegrouppracticeexchange.com

————————————————————————————————

🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

————————————————————————————————

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 68: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs (#4): Rewiring Beliefs to Face Your Inner Critic [featuring Yunetta Smith] Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

Neurodivergent individuals can sometimes feel overwhelmed by emotions or struggle to understand their own stress responses, and entrepreneurship can add another level of intensity to this experience.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Yunetta Smith, a licensed clinician, coach, trauma expert, and EMDR trainer, about the impact of naming emotions on mental health, especially for neurodivergent individuals, entrepreneurs, and people of color, emphasizing the importance of allowing folks to have autonomy over their own experiences and healing.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Discover how naming your emotions can reduce stress and turn tough experiences into opportunities for healing and growth.
Gain insights into the reality behind perceived success and the internal struggles many neurodivergent entrepreneurs face—validation that you are not alone if you feel overwhelmed, isolated, or disconnected despite your outward achievements.
Learn about Yunetta's groundbreaking work with EMDR therapy, offering marginalized communities access to mental health resources tailored to their unique needs and experiences.

As you listen, consider how emotional awareness can enhance both your personal well-being and your entrepreneurial success, keeping in mind that there is more than one right way to access your emotions and honor your nervous system and uniqueness.

More about Yunetta:

Yunetta Smith is a Thriving Therapreneur (Therapist + Entrepreneur) CEO and founder of Spring Forth Counseling and Ground Breakers Coaching and Consulting. Yunetta is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the States of TN, KY, and ID, as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor, Clinical Trauma Professional, and EMDR Therapist/Approved Consultant.

Yunetta specializes in helping black and brown folks navigate childhood trauma that manifests in adulthood—working exclusively with public figures, professionals, pastors, and practitioners.

She works diligently to spread awareness through various media platforms including the weekly “Talk it out Tuesday” segment on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, co-hosting the Deeper than the Diet Podcast, and self-publishing her self-care workbook “Take the Struggle Out of Self-care: Six Weeks to Create Your Self-care Strategy.”

Yunetta is a groundbreaker, a stigma breaker, and a cycle breaker who cultivates spaces for healing, wholeness, compassion, and change. She strives to create an atmosphere where anyone can take of their masks, stand in their truth, and learn to love what they see!

Websites: yunettaspring.com & groundbreakerstherapy.com
Social Media: @yunettaspringsmith & @groundbreakerstherapy
EMDR Mailing List: text EMDR to 33777

————————————————————————————————

🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

————————————————————————————————

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 67: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs (#3): Balancing ADHD and Entrepreneurship [featuring Gabrielle Juliano-Villani] Aug 16, 2024

Show notes

ADHD entrepreneurs can face unique challenges while balancing creativity, passion, and ideas with organization, implementation, and struggles with executive functioning.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, owner of GJV Consulting and Training and an ADHD entrepreneur, about ADHD's impact on entrepreneurship, offering practical strategies and personal insights.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Hear real-life stories about managing the emotions of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) and burnout, with practical tips for emotional regulation and recovery.
Learn practical strategies for improving executive functioning with tools such as the ADHD buddy system, AI assistance, and effective delegation.
Discover ways to evaluate and pursue diverse revenue streams while maintaining focus and aligning with her core values.

As you reflect on this episode, consider entrepreneurial strategies that you can apply to balance creativity with organization in your own ventures. Whether it's through better delegation or emotional health reflection, intentional steps can lead you to success.

More about Gabrielle:

Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a licensed clinical social worker, consultant, coach, entrepreneur, and educator based in Sarasota, FL. She has been in the mental health field for over a decade specializing in stress, chronic health conditions, and trauma.

After realizing her own burnout in 2021, she sold her thriving group practice and made it her mission to educate others on the impact stress has on our everyday lives. Gabrielle pulls from her experience as an EMDR and Polyvagal Informed therapist to utilize mind/body approaches to help others implement everyday strategies to manage stress and live their best lives.

Gabrielle is an international speaker, retreat leader, and has been featured in Authority Magazine, The Daily Om, Bustle, and the Everyday Woman TV Network. When she's not working, Gabrielle is teaching Zumba, surfing, or reading a psychological thriller at the beach.

Website: gabriellejulianovillani.com
Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Retreat in Belize: allthingspractice.com/belize-neurodivergent-2025

————————————————————————————————

🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

————————————————————————————————

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 66: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs (#2): The Psychology of Entrepreneurship [featuring Corey Wilks] Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

Entrepreneurship can on the surface appear to bring the promise of freedom and autonomy, but it also comes with unique psychological challenges that many neurodivergent entrepreneurs struggle to navigate.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Corey Wilks, a psychologist and executive coach, to explore the intersection of psychology, entrepreneurship, and core values.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Discover how to leverage the "availability paradox" to make more intentional choices, allowing you to prioritize opportunities that align with your values and long-term goals.
Using real-life examples, understand the concept of “memento mori” and pursuing long-term fulfillment and meaningful work, even if it doesn't feel good on a daily basis.
Uncover the importance of core values in preventing burnout and achieving long-term fulfillment, especially for neurodivergent individuals, with practical tips on how to identify and stay aligned with your values.

If you choose to pursue entrepreneurship, consider how aligning your work with your core values could enhance your fulfillment and satisfaction. Remember, saying no to certain things can help you say yes to the ones that truly matter, and bring more meaning and intentionality into your business and life.

More about Corey:

Dr. Corey Wilks is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Executive Coach who helps the top entrepreneurs in the world clarify what matters, overcome limiting beliefs, and build a values-aligned life and business. His work explores the psychology of success and what gets in our way. And he shares these insights in his weekly newsletter, which you can check out at coreywilkspsyd.com.

Website: https://coreywilkspsyd.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coreywilkspsyd
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreywilkspsyd

Additional Resources

Values Exercise: think2perform.com/values

————————————————————————————————

🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

————————————————————————————————

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————

Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 65: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs (#1): An Introduction Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

Entrepreneurship can be an attractive alternative for neurodivergent individuals to the traditional 9–5 jobs that cater to a society that is systemically structured to be more accommodating to neurotypical needs. However, being a neurodivergent entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges and triumphs, from managing executive functioning to dealing with burnout.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, introduce their new series on neurodivergent entrepreneurship, as well as share their personal journeys and provide valuable insights.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Get tips on balancing the needs of different neurotypes in business, including ADHD’s need for creativity and excitement with the Autistic desire for structure to avoid burnout, as well as how to set boundaries that protect your mental health and values.
Hear candid discussions on running a values-driven business, the moral injuries that can arise, and sustainable strategies for maintaining integrity while pursuing entrepreneurship.
Discover the importance of failure as a data point and how adopting a value-aligned mindset can transform your entrepreneurial endeavors, especially when it comes to the continuous reevaluation of business decisions.

If you choose to pursue entrepreneurship, remember to prioritize your well-being, stay true to your values, and embrace growth through failure.

————————————————————————————————

🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

————————————————————————————————