Divergent Conversations
Megan Anna Neff & Patrick Casale
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 30, 2026 • 56min
Episode 143: FLASHBACK — Chronic Health: All Brains Belong [featuring Dr. Mel Houser]
Dr. Mel Houser, an Autistic family physician who founded All Brains Belong VT, discusses neuroimmune links to chronic health. She talks about post-exertional malaise and the importance of pacing. She explains mast cell roles, environmental triggers, and why changes can take months. She also covers clinician tools and the value of community and self-advocacy.
Jan 23, 2026 • 42min
Episode 142: FLASHBACK — AuDHD Burnout City: How Autistic and ADHD Burnout Collide and Compensate
Dive into the intricate world of AuDHD burnout, where ADHD and autistic challenges intertwine. Discover the confusion between ADHD and autistic burnout. Hear personal stories about executive dysfunction and its link to shame and depression. Patrick and Megan offer insights into how burnout can signal the need for change, and they explore the importance of social check-ins. Learn about practical frameworks for self-care and how to reshape your creative projects sustainably. This conversation is both relatable and enlightening!
Jan 16, 2026 • 57min
Episode 141: FLASHBACK — OCD: I-CBT and Neurodivergent Approaches to OCD [featuring Brittany Goff]
Brittany Goff, a licensed clinical social worker and Clinical Director at Zen Psychological Center, specializes in neuroaffirming OCD treatment. She discusses how sensory discrepancies can lead to obsessive narratives, especially in autistic individuals. Brittany explains the Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) framework, designed to help neurodivergent individuals manage OCD symptoms. They explore the intersection of autism, ADHD, and OCD, highlighting the importance of understanding personal experiences and sensory perceptions for better self-trust and identity.
Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 6min
Episode 140: FLASHBACK — Giftedness: Navigating Giftedness in Marginalized Communities [featuring Sheldon Gay]
Join Sheldon Gay, an entrepreneur and speaker who advocates for marginalized communities, as he shares his inspiring journey of discovering his giftedness in his 40s. He discusses the pressures of intellectual identity and the experience of code-switching as a Black gifted man. Sheldon delves into the complexities of navigating relationships and the importance of authentic connections, while addressing the unique challenges faced by gifted individuals in BIPOC communities. His insights emphasize self-trust, empathy, and the need for inclusivity in neurodivergent spaces.
10 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 55min
Episode 139: FLASHBACK — Autistic Grief and Wellness: Holding Space for Hard Emotions
Navigating grief can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals, especially when it comes to losing a beloved pet. The discussion dives into how animal companionship provides vital sensory regulation and emotional support. Unique grief experiences are explored, emphasizing rituals and the need for self-compassion amidst social pressures. The hosts also tackle the impacts of collective trauma and ongoing world stressors, suggesting community care as a crucial aspect of well-being. This candid conversation offers validation and meaningful strategies for processing complex emotions.
17 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 47min
Episode 138: FLASHBACK — Neurodivergent Realities, Rupture & Repair, and Podcast Updates
Explore the nuances of wellness for neurodivergent individuals, focusing on interdependence and community support during tough times. The hosts share their personal journeys of self-care and the importance of honest communication. They dive into the intricacies of relationship repairs, emphasizing attachment needs beneath surface-level conflicts. Also discussed are practical self-care frameworks and the significance of compassionate engagement in today's stressful climate. Tune in for relatable insights and plans for a more intentional and connected future.
Dec 19, 2025 • 46min
Episode 137: FLASHBACK — Autistic Burnout City: Perpetual Sensory Hell
Living with Autistic burnout can feel like a never-ending struggle in a world that’s too much to handle. Discover the subtle differences between Autistic burnout and depression, informed by personal stories and experiences. Hear how sensory overload plays a pivotal role in daily challenges, and explore the humorous yet serious concept of 'Burnout City' as a metaphor for constant stress. The episode shares valuable insights on recognizing burnout triggers and emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s mental health journey.
19 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 52min
Episode 136: FLASHBACK — Autistic Burnout City: How Sensory Input Impacts Burnout
Explore the intricate relationship between sensory processing and autistic burnout. The hosts share personal stories of burnout, discussing how sensory overload impacts emotional well-being. They emphasize the importance of understanding unique sensory profiles and offer practical strategies for managing overwhelm. Listeners will benefit from insights on creating soothing environments and the significance of community support. Discover how everyday experiences like smells can trigger shutdowns, and learn to navigate your own sensory landscape.
15 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 47min
Episode 135 (Season 4): Neurodivergent Identity Arc for Later-in-Life Discovery
Explore the emotional journey of discovering a neurodivergent identity later in life. The hosts share personal stories of burnout and the challenges of masking before diagnosis. Learn about the four stages of identity development, from confusion to integration, and how privilege and support play a role in this arc. Insights on managing sensory overload and fostering community pride highlight the transformative power of acceptance. Practical advice on self-compassion emphasizes the importance of individual pacing in this unique identity journey.
22 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 39min
Episode 134 (Season 4): Navigating Suicidality and Safety for Neurodivergent Minds
This discussion dives deep into the challenges of suicidality faced by neurodivergent individuals. The hosts share personal stories, shedding light on the stigma surrounding suicidal thoughts. They explore the difference between chronic and acute ideation and critique standard mental health responses. Practical tools for creating safety plans and identifying warning signs are offered. The importance of community support and aftercare strategies is emphasized, along with creative resources like hope boxes to provide comfort during tough times.
