Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

Episode 79: Samantha Stein

Feb 17, 2025

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Welcome to episode #79! We’re thrilled to be joined by Samantha Stein today.

Samantha Stein, known online as YoSandySam, is a YouTube creator, author, and business strategist for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Diagnosed with autism at 33 and ADHD shortly after, she began making YouTube videos to process her diagnosis and educate neurotypicals about what autism really looks like. Her content resonated widely, amassing over 14 million views.

In addition to YouTube, Samantha is the author of So You Think You’re Autistic, a workbook that helps newly diagnosed individuals navigate their neurodivergence. She’s currently working on a new book about neurodivergence and trauma, set to release in 2026. She also works with neurodivergent business owners, helping them build sustainable strategies for success, and recently hosted the first-ever Wild Brains Retreat in the Netherlands.

Today, she joins us to discuss her journey, content creation, business coaching, and productivity strategies for neurodivergent minds.

Welcome to the show, Samantha!

Questions

JN: When did you first suspect you were neurodivergent?

Always felt different but internalized it as a personal flaw
Psychology degree exposed her to outdated autism theories (e.g., “extreme male brain”), which didn’t fit her experience
Struggled with mental health throughout her 20s (depression, anxiety) but never linked it to autism
Postpartum period triggered a breakdown in masking, making her realize something deeper was going on

JN: What was your diagnosis process like?
Struggled with imposter syndrome, worried she was “too good at masking” to be diagnosed

Went to her assessment with a seven-page Google Doc listing symptoms
Diagnostician confirmed autism easily, but the diagnosis felt anticlimactic—left wondering, “Now what?”

JN: How did receiving an official diagnosis change things for you?

Initially overwhelming, but led to self-acceptance over time
Inspired her to start making YouTube videos as a way to process and educate others
Helped her understand her past struggles and navigate life more effectively

JN: What are some of the biggest myths about autism that you address in your content?

Stereotypes (e.g., only young boys like trains)
Misconception that autism only presents in certain ways
The need for diverse representation in autism content, including cultural and racial perspectives

JN: What has been the impact of your YouTube channel?

Over 14 million views and a growing neurodivergent community
Led to opportunities like publishing books and working with neurodivergent business owners
Helped push for more diverse and accurate representation of autism online

JN: Can you tell us about your work with neurodivergent business owners?

Helps them create sustainable business strategies that align with their neurodivergent strengths
Focuses on accountability, structure, and breaking tasks into manageable steps
Advocates for working smarter, not harder—rejecting hustle culture in favor of efficiency

JN: What’s your approach to productivity as a neurodivergent person?

Rejects the idea of “doing a little bit every day” in favor of deep work and hyperfocus sprints
Uses external accountability and structured planning to stay on track
Creates work schedules that prevent burnout rather than chasing traditional productivity models

JN: What does your morning routine look like?

Survival mode—starts the day managing kids’ needs
Tries to fit in a workout or walk if possible
Tidies up the house and prepares for the day ahead
No elaborate self-care rituals—just getting through the morning efficiently

JN: How do you wind down at night?

Watches TV while using a second screen (phone)
Occasionally plays piano with headphones as a calming activity
Prioritizes sleep and avoids working in the evenings to maintain boundaries

JN: Where can people connect with you?

YouTube: YoSamdySam
Website: yosamdysam.com
Podcast: Awkward Conversations
Instagram: @YoSandySam
Book: So You Think You’re Autistic (Available on Amazon)

JN: Final words for the audience?

Self-understanding and acceptance are the keys to sustainable success
Be mindful of burnout and create work habits that actually fit your brain
It’s okay to need support—humans are meant to work together, not struggle alone