Episode 104: Mike Knapp

🎧 Welcome to Episode #104 of the Focus and Chill Podcast!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mike Knapp to explore the intersection of burnout, late autism diagnosis, and what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent professional in tech.

👤 About the Guest:
Mike Knapp is a serial entrepreneur, tech innovator, and former Google product lead. From co-founding the custom shoe company Shoes of Prey to building AI tools and launching Google’s Task Mate, Mike’s career is a masterclass in innovation. After facing debilitating burnout and being diagnosed with autism at 43, Mike now speaks openly about neurodivergence, self-awareness, and building sustainable success.

💡 In This Episode, We Cover:
- What burnout really looked like (and why it was misdiagnosed for years)
- How discovering autism in adulthood reshaped Mike’s life
- Challenges of masking and working in fast-paced tech environments
- Morning & evening routines that actually work for neurodivergent brains
- Balancing fatherhood, mental health, and meaningful work
- Why compassion—for yourself and others—is essential for neurodivergent wellbeing 

00:00:00 – Intro + Guest Bio
00:02:58 – Burnout Before Diagnosis
00:03:30 – Realizing He’s Autistic at 43
00:05:00 – Physical + Emotional Cost of Masking
00:08:30 – Autistic Work Styles vs. Norms
00:09:59 – Recovery & Shifting Expectations
00:11:11 – Rejoining the Workforce (Differently)
00:13:00 – New AI Job + Purpose-Driven Work
00:16:03 – Tinkering with Tools, LLMs, and Side Projects
00:18:00 – Teamwork, Improv & Learning from Burnout
00:21:30 – Rewriting Internal Narratives & Delegation
00:27:31 – Routines with a Toddler + Parenthood
00:30:00 – Cooking Hacks, ADHD Evenings & Sleep Challenges
00:33:00 – CPAP, Sleep Apnea & Neurodivergent Sleep
00:33:47 – Final Thoughts: Compassion for All Brains

Connect with Mike Knapp:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpknapp
Website: mikeknapp.xyz/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_F-0WWGvJ188KI6CXiVKWw
Email: mike@mikeknapp.xyz

Connect with Jeremy:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy
Email: jeremy@focusbear.io

Connect with Joey:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/
Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/

More from Focus Bear:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearapp
Twitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1