Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited

Parenting 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 accommodate his daughter's needs, and the how this led him to rethink generations of parental strategies, opting for something more... gamified.We Also Cover:Intrinsic Motivation and Meaningful GoalsOvercoming Parenting HypocrisyAppreciating Neurodivergent Children Require Different ApproachesCreating a Cooperative Environment can Reduce Conflict and Improve LearningRecognizing the Unique Lopve Languages of Your Children to Enhance CommunicationA Gamer Approach to Parenting StylesThe Difficulties of Remote Learning for Neurodivergent Kids During the PandemicQuotes:"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:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrastetter/https://www.rastetterpm.com/Related Reading:The 5 Love Languages of Children by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell - Book mentioned by JoshThe Explosive Child by Dr. Ross Greene - Book mentioned by JoshAs always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest?

Feeling 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 healthFinding connection in collective struggleTransforming negative energy into activism, creativity, or supportThe role of meditation in energy and anxiety managementLove, anger, and compassion in crisisQuotes:"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:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Mike 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 embracing your own unique itinerary.We Also Cover:The liberation of discarding societal checklistsHow being neurodivergent allows you to redefine what fun meansPermission to go at your own paceLetting go of external judgements on what you "should" doFinding tranquility in simplicityChoosing travel companions who respect neurodivergent needsQuotes:"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:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Mike 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 biases and the challenges women face in the current socio-political climate.We Also Cover:The evolution of leadership styles, particularly among womenSocietal changes on women's rights and representationEmpathy and relationship building in leadershipIndigenous philosophy and the community collectiveHow generational healing can transform family legacies and communitiesThe power of asking questionsQuotes:"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:https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheleprice/https://breakthroughbusinessstrategies.substack.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Mike 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 with the neurodivergent experience, managing judgement, and the existential fear of failure that often plagues neurodiversity.We Also Cover:Psychological Effects of Negative Messaging During ChildhoodPositive Affirmations to Combat Automatic Negative ThoughtsIngrained Negative Self-TalkFinding Belonging in the ADHD CommunityLeveraging Unique Strengths Rather Than Conforming to Societal NormsDeveloping Personalized Systems to Help Manage Daily TasksThe Rollercoaster of Adult DiagnosisThe Unfortunate Acceptance of Disabling Aspects of NeurodiversityQuotes:"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:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-cunningham/https://flowflows.com/https://thefutureneers.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Mike 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 children, she shines a light on an education system that often fails to accommodate diverse minds, and how a harrowing kindergarten experience fueled her desire to change the narrative around neurodiversity. We Also Cover:Understanding Neurodivergent Behaviors in Educational SettingsCommunication BarriersExpressing Emotions In a Safe and Constructive Way for All Student TypesRejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and Its Impact on StudentsHow Implementing Simple Strategies, such as Joyful Movement, can Benefit Learners of All AgesThe Science of Dopamine and How To Harness It In The ClassroomThe Critical Need of Discovering Your Personal Method of Emotionally RegulatingQuotes:"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:https://dear-neurotypical-adult.blogspot.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-rice-2150b0199/https://x.com/lindsaymrice17As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Mike 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 details her journey from years of misdiagnosis to neurodivergent realization.We Also Cover:Societal Pressure to ConformManaging Emotional DysregulationSocial OverwhelmSetting Internal and External BoundariesCommunity StigmaHonoring Personal NeedsEmotional Toll of MaskingAccess Barriers to TreatmentQuotes:"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:https://www.mialovecoaching.com/https://www.instagram.com/originalmialovehttps://www.facebook.com/mrsmialovehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rfwlAs always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Mike 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 ExistHow Treatment Center Turnover Rates Affect Continuity of CarePsychoeducation For Attachment StylesParts Therapy/Internal Family SystemsSchemaSystemic Changes for the Mental Health FieldSetting Realistic ExpectationsTrauma MythsComplexity of Attachment Styles (Avoidant, Anxious, Ambivalent)Customizing Treatment Goals and Methods on an Individual BasisQuotes:"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:Shoshana's Website @renewed.healing.therapy on Instagram Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RenewedHealingPrintsAs always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Chaya 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 foster success, and how his company is building a supportive future for neurodiverse workers.We Also Cover:The Double Empathy ProblemThe Myth of Social IncompatibilityInnovation Within Neurodivergent CommunitiesPsychological Safety in the WorkplaceBlind Recruiting and Unconscious BiasThe Role of AI in Neurodiverse AccommodationsHaystack 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:Autistic peer-to-peer information transfer is highly effective - A Game of Autistic TelephoneAs always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Mike 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 Dyscalculia and how discovering his ADHD through his daughter’s diagnosis led to a profound shift in their relationship and his life.We Also Cover:Feeling "Lazy" With ADHDThe Importance of Individualized Coping SkillsDyscalculia Is WeirdUndiagnosed ADHD Leading To Issues With ParentsManaging HyperfocusThe Different Definitions of MeditationIndividualized Coping SkillsQuotes:"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:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrastetter/https://www.rastetterpm.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Toxic 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 poisonous patriarchy, the theory of "the man box," and the ways rigid social definitions of masculine contributed to Mike's development of an eating disorder.We Also Cover:Emotional SuppressionEmphasizing Emotional Intelligence and Empathy As Basic Human Conditions How Societal Expectations Restrict Emotional RegulationThe Historically Arbitrary Nature of Masculinity and FemininityThe Ways Neurodivergent Can Be Susceptible To Toxic Peer PressuresMedia InfluenceAbuse CyclesQuotes:“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."As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/bookingRelated Reading:The Man They Wanted Me to Be: Toxic Masculinity and a Crisis of Our Own Making - Jared Yates SextonHow The Man Box Poisons Our SonsThe History of "The Man Box"The Impact of Toxic Masculinity On Men's Mental HealthHow to Fight Toxic Masculinity | Scientific AmericanToxic Masculinity as a Barrier to Mental Health Treatment in Prisons

In 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 neurodiversity, the transformative power of storytelling on self-discovery, and deep dives the neuroscience behind Twice Exceptionality.We Also Cover:The Folly of IQ TestsMisconceptions of Neurodivergent IntellectTips for Identifying 2eThe Reality of Giftedness vs Media PortrayalsBrain Structures and FunctionsTrauma and Neurological ChangesDevelopmental PsychologyQuotes:"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:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ysleiman/https://www.facebook.com/youssef.writer/https://www.amazon.com/stores/Youssef-R.-Sleiman/author/B0D29XRS36https://www.brightinsight.support/https://intergifted.com/Related Reading: Identity Development Theory: The Game!™ Gifted Needs and Tabletop Roleplaying Games: The Hows and Whys from a Neurodivergent Dungeon MasterAs always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on Instagram

We 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 her to becom a champion of psychological safety and advocate for neurodiverse accommodations -- transitioning from invisibility to authenticity.We Also Cover:Neurodiversity as a Workplace AssetThe Complexities of Social InteractionReclaiming Identity Beyond Societal ExpectationsTrust Through VulnerabilitySelf-Advocacy and Self-EfficacyImposter SyndromeCulture Differences in Neurodiversity Awareness Between India and United StatesQuotes:"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:https://www.linkedin.com/in/asnbhhanu5/https://navyaadhikarla.wordpress.com/https://www.instagram.com/half.cooked.artist/https://thefryingpansandflyingpuns.wordpress.com/Related Reading:(Don’t) Look me in the Eye: The Challenge of Eye Contact – Psychological Safety - Guest Post by NavyaAs always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

We 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 physical well-being.We Also Cover:Building Neuro-inclusive Work EnvironmentsSelf-Acceptance and Leaning Into "Uniqueness"Fostering Empathy Among EmployeesWork-Life Balance When NeurodivergentThe Toll Masking Has On Mental HealthSetting Boundaries At Work And HomeQuotes:"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:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-randall-4b27578a/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560183842872As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

"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 experiences with depression led to creating supportive spaces for neurodivergence.TW: Talk of SuicideWe Also Cover:How Deterministic Views Harm Mental HealthEarly Mental Health Intervention AwarenessPeer Support's Transformative NatureThe Infinite Possibilities in Chaos TheoryAuthentic Emotional ValidationBeauty in ImperfectionQuotes:"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:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Chaya 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 neurodivergence, provides some jaw-dropping insights into the differences between the U.S. and German education systems, and how we can better support students on the spectrum.We Also Cover:Incorporating Interests to Boost Learning EngagementBreaking Educational ConformityAsynchronous Approaches for a Neurodivergent Child's DevelopmentSocial Interaction Woes and AnxietiesThe Institutionalized Gaps in Neurodiversity AwarenessQuotes:"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:https://www.craigmaier.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmaier/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Ever 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 share their personal stories of unmasking, learning to fight the societal status quo, shedding external validations, and building self-acceptance.We also cover:Authenticity as a Catalyst for GrowthRedefining "Weirdness"Unmasking Your Neurodiverse VoiceEmbracing Self-CompassionSocietal Expectations Leading to Mental Health ChallengesQuotes:"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.Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking

Welcome 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 approach to building resilience while reveling in your unique strengths. Each week, we take you through topics like ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and even throw in some existentialism and neuroscience at no added cost!Let's spark a revolution in neurodiversity and mental health – one Talking Cure at a time!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ADHD Coaching & Workshops: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on InstagramMike on Instagram Want To Be a Guest? https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/booking––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Track: Feel — Land of Fire [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: • Feel — Land of Fire | Free Background...  Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/feel––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––