Dr. Megan Neff and Patrick Casale are two Neurodivergent therapists in a neurotypical world. During this podcast, they’ll talk about their own personal experien...
Episode 93: FLASHBACK — ADHD Interest-Based Nervous Systems
Navigating the world with ADHD can present unique challenges, particularly when it comes to motivation and productivity. Whether it's the difficulty of getting started on mundane tasks or the complexities of staying engaged over time, the rollercoaster of emotional ups and downs can be hard to manage.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the intricacies of the ADHD interest-based nervous system, how it impacts daily life, and practical ways to enhance motivation and productivity.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Discover effective techniques to manage your interest-based nervous system, from creating engaging environments to the use of dopamine stacking.Gain insights into different approaches for handling mundane tasks like household chores, including the concept of body doubling and competition.Learn how the 5 motivators encapsulated in the acronym P.I.N.C.H. (Passion [discussed in terms of Play for this episode], Interest, Novelty, Competition/Collaboration/Connection, and Hurry Up) can influence your actions and help overcome procrastination and anxiety.Try exploring ways to incorporate the 5 motivators for the ADHD system into your environment and approach to tasks. Understanding your unique nervous system is a step toward having more engagement and productivity, even when facing understimulating tasks.Resources:Visit vs. Force-Based Approach to ADHD: neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/power-of-a-visitInterest-Based Nervous System Article: neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/interest-based-nervous-systemInterest-Based Nervous System And ADHD Workbook: neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/interest-based-nervous-system***This episode is the 3rd of 10 episodes that Divergent Conversations is re-releasing for 2025. Please enjoy, and we'll be back with new content, resources, and guests in a couple of months.————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube————————————————————————————————Thanks to Our Sponsor: Landmark College✨ Landmark College:Landmark College is the...
--------
42:38
Episode 92: FLASHBACK — Understanding ADHD Tax: Impact, Personal Stories, and Management Strategies
It’s common for ADHDers to feel these waves of inspiration that may lead to a romanticized version of the future that would come by acting on them. However, if action is taken, it alternatively might be accompanied by the ADHD tax—financial burden, over-commitment, broken dreams and promises, feelings of guilt and regret, etc.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the concept of the ADHD tax and its impact on various facets of life such as time, money, and relationships. Both hosts share their personal experiences and practical tips on how to better manage impulsivity, as well as explore the impact of standard marketing practices on impulsive action.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Gain valuable insights into how the ADHD tax manifests in everyday life, from impulsive travel bookings to forgotten groceries, and learn strategies to prevent and mitigate these financial and emotional costs.Hear about the intricate balance of excitement and capacity in neurodivergent collaborations. Dive into tips for managing overwhelming enthusiasm and the importance of slow productivity and setting boundaries.Learn ethical marketing practices that consider the needs of neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the importance of building relationships over manipulative sales tactics and creating a consumer-friendly environment.As you navigate the challenges of impulsivity and overstimulation, remember that understanding and implementing mindful strategies can help you lead a more balanced life. Take a moment to pause before making hasty decisions, and prioritize your well-being as you create a space where both your ideas and your downtime are respected.***This episode is the 2nd of 10 episodes that Divergent Conversations is re-releasing for 2025. Please enjoy, and we'll be back with new content, resources, and guests in a couple of months.————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube————————————————————————————————Thanks to Our Sponsors: Betwixt (available in phone app stores) & Landmark College✨ Betwixt:Betwixt isn't your typical mental health app. It's an immersive, interactive, story-based experience that turns self-exploration into an epic adventure. Helping to relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and improve self-awareness, Betwixt combines tools from therapy, psychology, and neuroscience in a way that is playful, creative, and imaginative. It's a mental health game that you can only win by solving the mysteries of your mind. The founders believe everyone deserves to live an epic story. That's why they made it their mission to keep the core app free for anyone who can't afford it.You can download Betwixt from any app store and start your own Epic...
For ADHDers, romanticism is a common struggle where you find yourself constantly daydreaming about an ideal future and struggling with the reality of the present.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the intricacies of romanticizing experiences and the repercussions that come with it. As neurodivergent mental health professionals, they offer a unique perspective on how projecting ideal futures can create a disconnect with the present, leading to disappointment and restlessness.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Discover the impact of romanticizing future outcomes on mental health, particularly for those with ADHD and other neurodivergent traits, and how it can disrupt your ability to enjoy the present moment.Hear Dr. Neff and Patrick's personal stories about their struggles with restlessness and the unending need for new experiences, and learn how this affects their daily lives.Explore strategies to reconcile your idealized visions of the future with the messy reality of the present, and find out how to cultivate a sense of settled contentment.Take some time to reflect on your own tendencies to romanticize the future. Consider how this impacts your well-being and what steps you can take to stay grounded in the present and find balance one moment at a time.***This episode is the 1st of 10 episodes that Divergent Conversations is re-releasing for 2025. Please enjoy, and we'll be back with new content, resources, and guests in a couple of months.————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube————————————————————————————————Thanks to Our Sponsors: Betwixt (available in phone app stores) & Landmark College✨ Betwixt:Betwixt isn't your typical mental health app. It's an immersive, interactive, story-based experience that turns self-exploration into an epic adventure. Helping to relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and improve self-awareness, Betwixt combines tools from therapy, psychology, and neuroscience in a way that is playful, creative, and imaginative. It's a mental health game that you can only win by solving the mysteries of your mind. The founders believe everyone deserves to live an epic story. That's why they made it their mission to keep the core app free for anyone who can't afford it.You can download Betwixt from any app store and start your own Epic inner journey today.✨ Landmark College:Landmark College is the world's first accredited college designed exclusively for students who learn differently. Landmark, located in Putney, Vermont, offers courses...
--------
45:18
Episode 90: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Our First Meeting and The Belize Retreat Experience
Navigating anxiety, social awkwardness, and the intricacies of neurodivergence while trying to connect with others can be overwhelming.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, reflect on their experiences from a recent neurodivergent retreat in Belize. They share personal tales of stepping out of comfort zones, managing social expectations, and the profound insights gained from being part of a neurodivergent community.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Gain a deeper understanding of how to honor your sensory and social needs in overwhelming environments, as both hosts candidly discuss their ambivalence, anxieties, and moments of growth during the retreat.Hear firsthand accounts of how participating in a neurodivergent-exclusive community event can lead to meaningful connections and a sense of belonging, shedding light on the therapeutic power of shared experiences.Learn valuable lessons on setting personal boundaries and allowing yourself the space to recharge, as Patrick and Dr. Neff explore the challenges and benefits of embracing self-care during social and professional events.As you reflect on your own experiences with stepping outside your comfort zone, consider how you can create small moments of connection and community in your everyday life. Establish boundaries, honor your needs, and continue seeking spaces and relationships that allow you to show up authentically.————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube————————————————————————————————Thanks to Our Sponsors: Betwixt (available in phone app stores), Landmark College, & D.Rowe Co. (D.Rowe Tax)✨ Betwixt:Betwixt isn't your typical mental health app. It's an immersive, interactive, story-based experience that turns self-exploration into an epic adventure. Helping to relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and improve self-awareness, Betwixt combines tools from therapy, psychology, and neuroscience in a way that is playful, creative, and imaginative. It's a mental health game that you can only win by solving the mysteries of your mind. The founders believe everyone deserves to live an epic story. That's why they made it their mission to keep the core app free for anyone who can't afford it.You can download Betwixt from any app store and start your own Epic inner journey today.✨ Landmark College:Landmark College is the world's first accredited college designed exclusively for...
--------
52:11
Episode 89: Reflections and Insights From 2024
For neurodivergent individuals, the journey toward intentional living and work-life balance comes with both unique challenges and profound opportunities for growth.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, reflect on their past 2024 year, discuss pivotal moments of personal development, and share their hopes and strategies for a more intentional future.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Gain insights on how Patrick Casale has navigated his post-surgery recovery, focusing on balancing energy with new opportunities and the significant role of a values-based decision framework.Learn about Dr. Neff’s journey towards reduced workaholism, prioritizing family, and realigning her values, especially through her health challenges and boundary-setting measures.Discover the hosts’ reflections on their nearly two-year podcast journey, their intentional shift towards more cohesive content, and their plans for future seasonal structuring inspired by other successful podcasts.As you reflect on your own growth and challenges, consider how aligning your actions with your values can help you lead a more intentional and fulfilling life. Embrace the process of setting boundaries, seeking balance, and prioritizing your well-being for a healthier and more centered future.————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube————————————————————————————————Thanks to Our Sponsors: Betwixt (available in phone app stores), Landmark College, & D.Rowe Co. (D.Rowe Tax)✨ Betwixt:Betwixt isn't your typical mental health app. It's an immersive, interactive, story-based experience that turns self-exploration into an epic adventure. Helping to relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and improve self-awareness, Betwixt combines tools from therapy, psychology, and neuroscience in a way that is playful, creative, and imaginative. It's a mental health game that you can only win by solving the mysteries of your mind. The founders believe everyone deserves to live an epic story. That's why they made it their mission to keep the core app free for anyone who can't afford it.You can download Betwixt from any app store and start your own Epic inner journey today.✨ Landmark College:Landmark College is the world's first accredited college designed exclusively for students who learn differently. Landmark, located in Putney, Vermont, offers courses in person and online, awarding associate and bachelor's degrees, and offering pre-college, gap year, and professional...
Dr. Megan Neff and Patrick Casale are two Neurodivergent therapists in a neurotypical world. During this podcast, they’ll talk about their own personal experiences as Autistic-ADHDers. They will reflect on their lived experience as AuDHD mental health professionals, and entrepreneurs, as well as offer clinical guidance, and support. Episodes will be conversational in nature, and they’ll interview other ND Folx to amplify the voices of other neurodivergent advocates and individuals as they share their authentic stories. New episodes will come out weekly, on all major platforms. Megan told Patrick, ”I’ll bring the chaos, You organize it.” This perfectly sums up their working relationship and friendship. Reflections of two neurodivergent clinicians. Raw, Vulnerable, Affirmative As Hell. Follow on instagram.com/divergentconversations
Topics include Autism, ADHD, Sleep struggles, Chronic Illness, RSD, Alexithymia, Autistic burnout, Intersectionality, Neuroqueer, Creativity, OCD, Neurodivergence, Affirming Language, Small business ownership, Unpacking Internalized Ableism, and so much more.
If you love the podcast, please leave us a 5 star review https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divergent-conversations/id1662009631
Visit our website for all podcast episodes and sponsorship opportunities divergentpod.com
Legal Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or medical professional for personalized advice regarding any medical condition or treatment.
New Zealand