266: Navigating Intensity Through a Cultural Lens w/ Kaitlin Smith

Feb 6, 2024

Kaitlin Smith, a Boston-based scholar and founder of Our Wild Minds, supports gifted BIPOC adults and studies the history of mind sciences. In this engaging discussion, she shares her journey navigating intensity through the lens of cultural dynamics. Kaitlin reflects on the challenges of being a gifted Black individual in predominantly white environments, the pressure to conform, and her experiences with family expectations. She reveals how she harnesses intensity to create positive change and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community in personal growth.

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INSIGHT

Conflicting Racial Expectations

Cultural expectations shaped how Kaitlin's intellect was read as either 'acting white' or 'not Black enough.'
These conflicting messages created pressure to modify her self-expression across contexts.

ANECDOTE

Giftedness As Family Trophy

Kaitlin describes family expectations that treated her giftedness as a trophy rather than a full identity.
She realized in adulthood she need not carry others' emotional burdens and reclaimed her expression.

INSIGHT

Giftedness As Cultural Difference

Kaitlin notes giftedness can appear like a distinct culture with different thinking styles.
Recognizing thinking-style differences helps explain family misunderstandings and reduces shame.

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In this episode of the Embracing Intensity Podcast, host Aurora interviews Kaitlin Smith, a scholar, facilitator, and founder of Our Wild Minds. Kaitlin shares her journey as a gifted BIPOC individual, her work in supporting gifted adults, and her research on the history of mind sciences. Join Aurora and Kaitlin as they explore the intersections between intensity, cultural dynamics, and personal growth.

In this interview, Aurora and Kaitlin delve into Kaitlin's experiences as a gifted BIPOC individual, the challenges she faced growing up, and the cultural factors that affected her self-expression. They discuss how Kaitlin uses her intensity to make a positive impact and navigate the complex dynamics of the workplace. Kaitlin also shares her insights on harnessing the power of intensity and helping others do the same through her community platform, Our Wild Minds.

Join Aurora and Kaitlin as they delve into the complexities of intensity and its transformative potential in this thought-provoking episode of the Embracing Intensity Podcast.

In This Episode:

Kaitlin's journey as a scholar, facilitator, and founder of Our Wild Minds.
The intersections between the history of mind sciences and African American studies in Kaitlin's research.
The challenges Kaitlin faced growing up in a predominantly white suburb and the conflicting expectations placed upon her as a gifted Black individual.
The impact of cultural dynamics on expression and the pressure to conform to societal expectations.
How Kaitlin uses her fire for good through various roles, including her work as a PhD student, teaching fellow, and community builder.
The importance of clarity, deprogramming, and prioritizing values in harnessing the power of intensity.
Kaitlin's insights on creating space for connection, introspection, learning, manifestation, and giving back through Our Wild Minds.
The empowering message that it's never too late to embrace authenticity and live a life aligned with your true self.

Resources:

Kaitlin's Website

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