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
21 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 46min
Episode 113 (Season 3): Autistic Burnout City: Perpetual Sensory Hell
Dive into the challenges of living with Autistic burnout, where perpetual sensory overload meets daily life. Discover the nuanced differences between Autistic burnout and depression, illustrated through personal stories. The hosts share their amusing take on navigating a fictional 'burnout city,' highlighting both the humor and hardship of chronic exhaustion. Listeners gain insight into recognizing burnout triggers and the importance of self-advocacy amidst the chaos, all while receiving practical advice for better mental well-being.
Jun 27, 2025 • 42min
Episode 112 (Season 2): Rethinking Higher Education for Neurodivergent Learners [featuring Adam Lalor]
Adam R. Lalor, educational psychologist and VP for Neurodiversity Research and Innovation at Landmark College, explains a neurodiversity-affirming model for higher education. He discusses Landmark’s origins and mission, why traditional colleges miss neurodivergent needs, sensory and classroom accommodations, universal design, and practical supports for transitions and funding.
Jun 20, 2025 • 47min
Episode 111 (Season 2): Not Your Neurotypical Wellness: Adaptations and Reflections
Exploring the intersection of wellness and neurodivergence, this discussion dives into the inadequacies of traditional health advice. It highlights creative adaptations like low-executive-function meal prep and sensory-aware shopping tips. The speakers share personal experiences with emotional challenges related to nutrition and the struggle of seeking help. They emphasize self-compassion and visual cues as tools for simplifying wellness routines. Engaging insights reflect on the importance of personalized approaches and community support for authentic living.
4 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 54min
Episode 110 (Season 2): Neurodivergent Wellness Tips That Backfire and How to Adapt Them
Explore the limitations of conventional wellness tips and why they often miss the mark for neurodivergent individuals. Personal stories reveal the emotional impact of oversimplified advice, and practical adaptations are shared for mindfulness and gratitude. Discover unique insights about sensory experiences and the complexities of traditional practices like bathing. The conversation highlights the need for tailored strategies that respect diverse processing styles, aiming for authentic well-being in everyday life.
Jun 6, 2025 • 40min
Episode 109 (Season 2): The Power of Play: Holding the Heavy with Laughter and Connection
This conversation explores the healing power of humor and its intricate relationship with mental health. The hosts share candid stories about using laughter to navigate the complexities of ADHD and OCD. They discuss how playfulness fosters self-acceptance, helping to alleviate shame. The transformative role of shared humor in strengthening connections, particularly among neurodivergent individuals, is highlighted. They also touch on the ethics of authenticity in content creation and the importance of community in finding joy amidst life's challenges.
6 snips
May 30, 2025 • 49min
Episode 108 (Season 2): Using Creativity to Anchor into Aliveness and Humanity
The hosts dive into how creativity anchors our humanity, especially for neurodivergent individuals. They share personal stories about finding flow in creativity and how play and movement can reignite that spark. Discussions on the bittersweet interplay of joy and grief in emotions highlight the complexity of human experiences. There's a focus on the transformative power of community and connection, and how these relationships, alongside artistic expression, can provide healing and meaning in challenging times.
May 23, 2025 • 50min
Episode 107 (Season 2): Curating Connection: Neurodivergent Communities Online and In-Person
Dive into the world of neurodivergent connections with insightful discussions on the nuances of online and in-person communities. Discover practical strategies for finding supportive spaces and the importance of belonging. The hosts candidly share their personal experiences navigating the complexities of relationships and community burnout. Explore the challenges of social dynamics and how shared adversity can foster growth. Humorously reflecting on the journey, they emphasize the significance of emotional connections and inclusion in building vibrant communities.
May 16, 2025 • 51min
Episode 106 (Season 2): Not Your Neurotypical Wellness: Connection, Consumption, and Self-Care
Explore the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face in today’s digital landscape. The conversation covers mindful media consumption, with practical tools for setting boundaries with technology. Laughter and authenticity emerge as vital components of wellness, with dark humor highlighted as a coping mechanism. The importance of meaningful community connections and embracing joy in daily life is emphasized, offering strategies for intentional living amidst digital overwhelm.
May 9, 2025 • 55min
Episode 105 (Season 2): Autistic Grief and Wellness: Holding Space for Hard Emotions
A raw conversation about intense grief after losing a long-term pet and the rituals people create to honor attachment. Exploration of how autism and ADHD can magnify emotional experience and complicate daily functioning. Practical talk on boundaries, scripts, and when to sit with pain versus use distraction. Discussion of communal care, collective trauma, and how animals regulate mental health.
May 2, 2025 • 47min
Episode 104 (Season 2): Neurodivergent Realities, Rupture & Repair, and Podcast Updates
Dive into a candid conversation about the importance of wellness and authentic connections for neurodivergent individuals. The hosts openly share their personal challenges, like navigating energy dips and friendship dynamics. They explore attachment ruptures and repairs, revealing how deeper emotional needs influence relationships. Practical tips for community support during overwhelming times are discussed, as well as a unique approach to self-care that balances immediate soothing with long-term nourishment. Expect insightful reflections that encourage self-compassion and resilience.
