Divergent Conversations

By: Megan Neff & Patrick Casale
  • Summary

  • 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.
    Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • Episode 85: Giftedness (Part 6): Series Reflections and Insights
    Dec 20 2024

    Navigating the world as a gifted individual can be emotionally taxing and filled with both internal and external challenges that are often dismissed or minimized by oneself and others. The giftedness label is often viewed as a privilege resulting in failure to recognize and offer support for the very real struggles that can come with it.

    In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, open up about their personal experiences and discuss the complexities of giftedness, identity, and coping mechanisms in the context of mental health.

    Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

    1. Discover how giftedness and neurodivergence both intersect and differ, offering nuanced perspectives on recognizing and understanding these traits.
    2. Learn about how this giftedness series sparked deep self-reflection for the hosts, creating a space for them and listeners to explore the emotional layers of their experiences.
    3. Delve into thoughtful discussions on how societal perceptions of intelligence and privilege impact self-identity and mental health, challenging common assumptions about capability and success.

    As you reflect on your own experiences or the experiences of those around you, consider the ways in which you navigate your identity and emotions. Remember, it’s okay to seek support and embrace your complexities.

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    🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast

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    A Thanks to Our Sponsors: iACTcenter, ADHD Online, The Gifted Learning Lab, Resilient Mind Counseling, & Learning Nook

    iACTcenter:

    The iACTcenter is an elite global ICF-accredited coach education and training program designed to train people to become confident, skilled, professional ADHD life coaches. They prepare aspiring coaches to make a living while making a difference in the lives of ADHDers and other neurodivergent people. Learn more at iactcenter.com.

    Julien Mussi, our student, passed away unexpectedly during our inaugural class in 2015. We offer...

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    45 mins
  • Episode 84: Giftedness (Part 5): Navigating Giftedness in Marginalized Communities [featuring Sheldon Gay]
    Dec 13 2024

    As a gifted, BIPOC individual, it can be uniquely challenging to navigate day-to-day experiences and find meaningful connections, especially prior to the discovery of giftedness.

    In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, along with Sheldon Gay, an entrepreneur, podcast host, and the Vice-Chair of the neurodivergent-affirming non-profit, Umbrella US, discuss his unique perspective on being seen beneath our social masks, the societal impact of intellectual identity as a BIPOC human, and his personal self-discovery journey of giftedness.

    Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

    1. Discover the complexities and societal pressures of intellectual identity and how they shape interactions and self-perception, as well as the struggle to find genuine connections while managing unique cognitive abilities.
    2. Gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by gifted individuals, especially within marginalized communities. Learn about the burden of expectations, code-switching as a gifted black man, and the journey of self-acceptance.
    3. Learn about Sheldon Gay's perspective on navigating biases in professional spaces, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of self-trust and empathy in both personal and professional settings.

    As you explore the depths of your own identity and capabilities, remember the importance of self-trust and creating spaces where you can be your authentic self. Reflect on how societal expectations may have influenced your journey and seek communities that celebrate your unique experiences and perspectives.

    More about Sheldon:

    Sheldon Gay is an entrepreneur with a background in engineering and creating memorable customer experiences. He's worked in various fields, including healthcare, nonprofits, and education-technology. In addition to growing multiple businesses, he is currently the Vice-Chair of the neurodivergent-affirming non-profit, Umbrella US. As a Black man who discovered later in life that he’s neurodivergent, he sees the world from a different angle than most. Due to his unique perspective, he knows all too well how it feels to be “the only one” in a room. After intense self-discovery work in his early 40s, he found answers to life-long questions and received freedom from burdens he'd carried since he was a child. Now, he uses his experiences to help others embrace their true selves and release their burdens as well. Sheldon helps his audiences become curious about their minds, combat loneliness through community, and experience peace and joy through authenticity.

    • Website: sheldongayisbugn.com
    • Social Media: @imustbebugn and @imustbebugn.bsky.social

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    🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here

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    A Thanks to Our
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Episode 83: Giftedness (Part 4): Parenting 2e Kids: High Standards and Emotional Needs [featuring Dr. Danika Maddocks]
    Dec 6 2024

    If you are the parent of a gifted or twice-exceptional (2e) child, you know the unique challenges and pressures these children face.

    In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Dr. Danika Maddocks, a gifted/2e parent coach and owner of The Gifted Learning Lab, discuss the complexities of raising and supporting gifted and 2e kids, including the internal and external pressures, the impact of growth vs. fixed mindsets, and the innovative strategies that can support these exceptional children.

    Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

    1. Gain insights into the internal and external pressures that gifted and 2e children face, and how these can lead to intense emotional and psychological distress despite their apparent successes.
    2. Explore the influence and impact of a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset, especially how understanding and fostering the right mindset aids in developing resilience and coping mechanisms for gifted children.
    3. Learn practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to support a gifted or 2e child's emotional and cognitive development, including effective validation techniques and the importance of environmental fit.

    As you consider the best ways to support and nurture the gifted children in your life, remember to look beyond labels and standards. Focus on creating environments where their unique abilities can thrive, allowing them to grow and develop a healthy sense of self.

    More about Danika:

    Dr. Danika Maddocks is a gifted/2e parent coach and owner of The Gifted Learning Lab. She helps parents let go of standard parenting pressures and build a unique family life that actually works for their kid and themselves. She has supported gifted and twice-exceptional kids, teens, and their families for over 15 years as a teacher, therapist, school consultant, assessment provider, and coach. Her work is also informed by her personal experiences growing up gifted, being a late-identified autistic adult, and raising a young gifted/2e kid.

    • Danika has a free email mini-course called Reduce Power Struggles with Your Gifted/2e Kid. All parents want to feel like they're on the same team as their kid or teen, but gifted/2e parents often feel stuck in negotiations and power struggles, no matter what parenting advice they try. In this free, 5-day mini-course, parents will learn practical strategies to prevent, reduce, and defuse power struggles with their gifted/2e kid or teen. Access the free course: giftedlearninglab.com/power
    • Website: giftedlearninglab.com
    • Instagram: instagram.com/giftedlearninglab
    • Facebook: facebook.com/giftedlearninglab

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    🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here

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    1 hr and 5 mins

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thank you Megan and Patrick

thanks Megan and Patrick for your bravery in sharing, your podcast is a godsend

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