Divergent AF

In this episode I share my personal experiences and insights on how and why ADHD can create challenges in maintaining interpersonal relationships.Key Takeaways:​Friendships can evolve and change over time.​It's important to communicate expectations in friendships.​Emotional dysregulation can impact relationships.​Honesty is crucial in neurodivergent friendships.​Small gestures can have a big impact.​Being late is a common understanding among friends.​Neurodivergent friendships often lack judgement.​Growth and change are natural in friendships.Have you got a story or topic you would like to share? Get in touch with me via Instagram, I’d love to chat and continue the conversation.Also, if you wish to show your support for the podcast, you can rate it on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This way more people can find us and our Divergent AF community can grow. Connect with me:Instagram - @divergent.a.fTikTok - @divergent.a.f

In this solo episode I discuss the “Rat Park” experiments conducted by psychologist Bruce  Alexander in the 1970’s and how the findings expanded traditional theories of drugs and causes of addictions.I draw parallels between the Rat Park findings and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in a neurotypical world, emphasising the need for acceptance and social connection in order for us to thrive.  Key Takeaways: ​Connecting with like-minded individuals ​alleviates feelings of isolation ​Neurodivergent individuals often feel out of place ​in society ​The Rat Park experiments illustrate the ​importance of the environment in addiction ​Addiction is influenced by social and ​environmental factors, not just chemicals ​Societal norms can create a 'neurodivergent ​prison' for individuals ​Connection and acceptance are vital for human ​well-being ​Education systems often fail to accommodate ​diverse learning styles ​Creating supportive environments can enhance ​the lives of neurodivergent individuals Have you got a story or topic you would like to share? Get in touch with me via Instagram, I’d love to chat and continue the conversation.  Also, if you wish to show your support for the podcast, you can rate it on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This way more people can find us and our Divergent AF community can grow.  Connect with me: Instagram - @divergent.a.f TikTok - @divergent.a.f Resources Mentioned: Johann Hari, Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong - see more HERE Professor Bruce Alexander,  Addiction: The View from Rat Park - see more HERE

Join me for Part 2 of my chat with special guest Sociologist and fellow ADHD’er Dr. Natalie Mathews as we delve into the importance of normalising neurodivergent experiences and recognising the finite nature of human capacity. Key Takeaways: Understanding mental fatigue is crucial for managing daily life.  The pressure to be productive can be overwhelming. Neurodivergent individuals often feel they haven't done enough. Societal expectations can create a burden of productivity. Understanding mental health requires acknowledging brain differences. The quest for self-optimization is pervasive in society. Acknowledging individual differences is often stigmatised. The impact of executive function affects everyone, not just those with ADHD. Have you got a story or topic you would like to share? Get in touch with me via Instagram, I’d love to chat and continue the conversation.  Also, if you wish to show your support for the podcast, you can rate it on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This way more people can find us and our Divergent AF community can grow.  Connect with me: Instagram - @divergent.a.f TikTok - @divergent.a.f

Join me as I welcome special guest Dr. Natalie Mathews, a Sociologist at Massey University and fellow ADHD’er. We discuss and explore the complexities of hermeneutics, identity, and the unique experiences of individuals. Key Takeaways:Hermeneutics is about how we make sense of the worldOur identity can be influenced by our interpretations of events and personal experiencesNeurodivergent individuals often perceive situations differently than neurotypical individualsExecutive function challenges are common among neurodivergent individualsTraditional narratives often fail to capture the complexity of individual experiencesTask switching can be particularly challenging for parents with ADHDUnderstanding mental fatigue is crucial for managing daily lifeNeurodivergent individuals often feel they haven't done enoughHave you got a story or topic you would like to share? Get in touch with me via Instagram, I’d love to chat and continue the conversation. Also, if you wish to show your support for the podcast, you can rate it on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This way more people can find us and our Divergent AF community can grow. Connect with me:Instagram - @divergent.a.fTikTok - @divergent.a.fResources mentioned:Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman