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

Welcome to episode #111! We’re thrilled to be joined by Yush Sztalkoper. Yush Sztalkoper is a neurodivergent entrepreneur, coach and founder of Neuros Spark Plus. She works with parents of twice-exceptional children and with organizations to build neuro-inclusive cultures. Yush uses a positive intelligence approach to reshape self-sabotaging habits, reduce burnout and create support systems that fit neurodivergent brains.Q&A JN: How did your journey into neurodiversity start? – Began with concerns for her son at age four and a half, which led to investigation and support. – Her son is twice-exceptional - bright with learning differences. – Her child’s profile sparked reflection and ultimately her own ADHD diagnosis about a year ago. – Diagnosis brought clarity and permission to seek different supports.JN: What changed after your diagnosis? – Greater self-awareness and reduced guilt about needing supports. – Shift from deficit thinking to strength-based perspective. – Left corporate role two months after diagnosis to pursue more fitting work.JN: How did culture and immigrant background shape your masking? – Asian immigrant upbringing encouraged fitting in and masking differences. – Masking led to long-term adaptation and people-pleasing strategies. – Parenting revealed those patterns and forced new choices.JN: What is Positive Intelligence and how does it help? – A mindset method that identifies saboteurs and activates “sage” responses. – Uses Activate and Empathy sages to ask “What is needed now?” and to give self-compassion. – Helps shift victim thinking to opportunity-focused thinking for parenting and work.JN: How do ADHD traits show up for you and your son? – Time blindness, hyperfocus, intense interests, and masking differences. – Rejection sensitivity and people-pleasing were major personal drivers. – Hyperfocus can be an asset when channeled correctly.JN: Why move from corporate to entrepreneur? – Corporate expectations blocked expression of core strengths. – Needed autonomy, flexibility and roles that let creativity and novelty thrive. – Now builds services and community that scale human-centered support.JC: How are you scaling your work? – Local monthly in-person sessions for parents - created a nonprofit community hub. – Neuros Spark Plus grew to offer coaching, small cohort programs and organizational consulting. – Partnership model - Collab X - to amplify experts and scale impact beyond local reach.JN: What does neuro-inclusive work look like in organizations? – Help leaders co-create supports and build environments where masking is unnecessary. – Teach self-advocacy skills so workers can express needs and leaders can listen. – Focus on holistic supports across life stages, not siloed programs.JC: How do you approach productivity for neurodivergent clients? – Start with mindset - use Positive Intelligence to ask “What is needed now?” – Laser focus on one actionable task rather than a long, stress-inducing to-do list. – Build breaks, self-empathy and flexibility into routines to avoid burnout.JN: Final ask or message? – Lean into strengths and build systems that fit your brain. – Early support prevents prolonged struggle - advocate for neuro-inclusion and shared community resources.Connect with Yush:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yushsztalkoper/Website: https://www.neurosparkplus.com/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear

Welcome to episode #110! We’re thrilled to be joined by Reuben SchwartzIn this episode, startup consultant Reuben Schwartz shares his late autism diagnosis journey, revealing how it reshaped his approach to parenting, burnout, and productivity. From building and selling a startup to navigating fatherhood and sensory overload, Reuben gets real about what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent professional in a world built for neurotypicals. Perfect for anyone exploring ADHD, autism, neurodiversity, and sustainable productivity.Q&AJN: What was it like learning you were autistic after 45 years? – Other people suspected before he did – Diagnosis brought clarity and made sense of lifelong confusion – Helped him understand why social interactions and routines mattered so much – Learning to accept differences instead of judging right or wrongJN: How does being “high moralistic, low masking” affect you? – Sees ethical questions everywhere, even daily choices – Feels there’s one “correct” way to do things – Now accepts that others think differently, improving relationships – Aware now of signals he used to missJC: How has autism shaped your relationships and parenting? – Struggles with emotional understanding and flexibility – Finds parenting extremely demanding and draining – Needs solitude to recharge, leading to burnout after becoming a father – Realized he once followed societal expectations (“become a normal horse”) instead of knowing himselfJN: You’ve had 13 careers and built a startup. What have you learned from that? – Obsessiveness can be both a gift and a trap – Works best with structure or collaborators who balance his intensity – Many “failures” taught him more than successes – Now values accepting his limits and building support systemsJC: How do you manage burnout and productivity now? – Uses GTD (Getting Things Done) system religiously – Writes down everything to clear mental load – Avoids email and messages in the morning – Uses color-coded planning and strict scheduling – Takes regular breaks (with Focus Bear app reminders) – Wears a fedora to manage sensory sensitivity to lightJN: What doesn’t work for you? – “Do it until it’s done” startup mentality – Eisenhower Matrix felt too abstract – Sleep deprivation immediately destroys focus and composureJC: Tell us about your current projects. – Consulting for startups and mentoring founders – Writing new children’s books – Researching misinformation and how to rebuild empathy in digital spaces – Exploring ways to reduce online certainty and polarizationJN: Final message for neurodivergent listeners? – Self-knowledge matters more than fitting in – Your brain works differently, not worse – Build systems that suit you rather than forcing someone else’s modelConnect with Reuben:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubenschwarz/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear

Welcome to episode #109! We’re thrilled to be joined by Warwick Donaldson.Warwick Donaldson is the founder and managing director of CapXcentric, a startup consultancy helping founders raise capital with clarity and confidence. After discovering his ADHD in his early thirties, Warwick learned that what once looked like chaos was actually a different kind of focus. Now clean, sober, and running his own business, he’s building a life that works with his brain instead of against it.JN: When did you realize you weren’t neurotypical? – Diagnosis came only a few years ago after a social worker date casually asked if he had ADHD – Spent months reflecting, researching, and taking online ADHD assessments – Finally found an affordable psychiatrist who confirmed the diagnosis – Realized his lifelong intensity and impulsivity now made senseJN: How did the diagnosis change your life? – Radically improved clarity and self-understanding – Medication (Vyvanse) helped reduce impulsivity and emotional volatility – Therapy helped unpack years of negative self-beliefs from being “the difficult kid” – Gained tools for self-compassion and communicationJC: What traits stood out as signs of ADHD? – Impulsivity, addictive behaviors, and intense hyperfocus – Addicted to stimulation: partying, smoking, and long techno nights – Difficulty with emotional regulation and rejection sensitivity – Persistent drive and energy — a blessing and curseJN: How did this affect your career path? – Worked in finance, startups, and tech; 13 years across multiple roles – Never lasted long in one job — realized novelty drives motivation – Now runs his own startup consultancy, designed around his ADHD rhythm – Focuses on early-stage founders and capital raises where variety and chaos thriveJC: What changed after you started working for yourself? – Finally able to drop the mask and be authentic – Created “CapXcentric” as a brand that reflects his true personality – Most of his clients also have ADHD, creating mutual understanding and trust – Learnt to stop pretending to fit conventional corporate moldsJN: How do you manage focus and prevent burnout now? – No alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes for over two years – Strict work boundaries: 8 AM to 6 PM only, no weekends – Regular walks, gardening, and phone-free mornings – Clear routines and environmental design (no phones in the bedroom, pill boxes next to coffee)JC: How did sobriety change your life? – Forced him to face unresolved issues without escape – Deepened family and partner relationships – Helped rediscover interests outside work – Built real hobbies — gardening, cooking, reconnecting with natureJN: How do you balance your work in a “hustle culture” industry? – Rejects constant-availability culture in startups – Sets firm client boundaries and communicates expectations clearly – Believes productivity comes from structure, not endless hours – “People will adapt faster than you think when you stop replying at midnight.”JC: What’s your advice for others with ADHD? – “Lean into who you are instead of fighting it.” – Design your life around your wiring, not society’s expectations – Self-acceptance is a practice, not a finish line – The earlier you start, the easier life becomesConnect with Warwick:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warwickdonaldson/Website: https://www.capxcentric.com/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear

Welcome to episode #108! Today we’re joined by Nuria Melchor FernándezIn this episode of Focus and Chill, Jeremy sits down with Nuria Melchor Fernández, an advocate passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals with ADHD, autism, and complex trauma. Nuria opens up about her journey through love addiction recovery, 12-step programs, and navigating multiple diagnoses in Spain. She shares powerful insights into the overlap between neurodivergence and trauma, the challenges of accessing proper support, and the healing potential of community, grounding techniques, and trauma-informed therapies.How did Nuria first realize she might have ADHD and autism?- Through her recovery journey in 12-step programs, where peers noticed ADHD traits. Later, similarities with a friend led her to explore autism and discover her own diagnosisWhy does Nuria believe labels like “autism” or “ADHD” can be helpful?- Labels foster self-compassion and help people connect with peers who share similar experiences, instead of internalizing negative labels like “lazy” or “weird”What is the difference between complex trauma and single-event trauma?- Single trauma often stems from one event (e.g., an accident), while complex trauma comes from repeated, long-term experiences like neglect, bullying, or domestic violenceHow do complex trauma and neurodivergence intersect?- Trauma can intensify difficulties with focus, anxiety, and relationships, and it’s often difficult to separate from neurodivergent traits—especially when trauma starts earlyWhat therapies and tools does Nuria recommend for healing?- Internal Family Systems (IFS), grounding exercises (5-4-3-2-1 method), EMDR, tapping, art therapy, and community-based mutual aid groupsWhat’s the role of community in healing?- Finding peers with similar experiences provides validation, resources, and a sense of belonging—something many neurodivergent people struggle to findConnect with Nuria:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuriamelchorfernandez/?locale=en_USBlog: https://nuriamelchorfernandez.bearblog.dev/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/

Welcome to Episode #124! We’re joined today by Ani Moller. Ani Moller is a leadership and life coach who works with neurodivergent professionals — especially those with ADHD, autism, or experiencing burnout. Drawing from their experience as a senior executive and program manager, Ani combines business strategy, trauma-informed practice, and lived experience of multiple burnouts and a stroke. They support senior leaders, creatives, and purpose-driven teams through one-on-one coaching, group programs, and workplace strategy. Ani identifies as non-binary and integrates evidence-based tools like Positive Intelligence, energy management, and nervous system regulation to help clients leadauthentically without compromising well-being.Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise youweren’t neurotypical?– Realized during the pandemic, after reading traits of autistic women on TikTok– Diagnosed with ADHD about six months later– Felt deep relief and self-understanding post-diagnosisWhat challenges did you face?– Multiple burnouts and physical health struggles– Difficulties with volatile friendships and social challenges– Anxiety misdiagnosis due to internalized hyperactivityWhat changes have come post diagnosis?– Gained clarity and validation– Complex PTSD diagnosis reframed much of the struggle– EMDR therapy helped reduce triggering memoriesWhat challenges do you still face now?– Severe fatigue from stroke– Overstimulation in professional environments– Ongoing executive dysfunction around finishing tasksWhat neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?– Strong visualization (hyperphantasia)– Deep empathy and energy-awareness– Coaching skills strengthened by lived neurodivergent experienceWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?– One-on-one ADHD and leadership coaching– Positive Intelligence programs for neurodivergent professionals– Overwhelmed to Organized – a group program blending productivity and compassionHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?– Spending time in nature and with friends– Indoor gardening and plants– Gym, calm hobbies, movies, and travel (as energy allows)Productivity tips — What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?– Brutal prioritization, guided by values (fun and emotional connection)– Accepting inbox/task list never finished– Energy accounting to track what restores vs drains energyWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?– “Eat the Frog” (hardest task first) — tiring tasks are harder than complex ones– Generic advice like waking up early — needs sleep consistency instead– Inbox as task list — doesn’t align with executive function needsWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?– Wakes around 7, allows three hours before first client– Gentle routine: movement for fibromyalgia, breakfast, nature time– Adjusts workouts to energy levels and menstrual cycleHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?– Struggles with disrupted sleep due to perimenopause and neurodivergence– Strict routine: lights dimmed red with Philips Hue, phone apps blocked after 8 PM– Journaling and reading to wind downDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?– “Treat rest as productive. Rest isn’t laziness — it’s fuel for better leadership and life.”Connect with Ani:Website: Ani Moller - https://www.animoller.com/TikTok: Ani: AuDHD Coach (@professionalaudie) | TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@professionalaudie? LinkedIn: Ani Møller Coaching | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/animoller/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/

Welcome to episode #107! Today we’re joined by Jonathan Mok.Jonathan was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in 2019 at the age of 37, a turning point that reshaped his life. Since then, he has become a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, speaking at events such as the Davos Neurodiversity Summit, TEDx CUHK, and the UN World Autism Awareness Day with the Institute of Neurodiversity. His work helps organizations buildmore inclusive workplaces and communities, while also inspiring individuals to embrace their identity and strengths.In this episode, Jonathan shares his personal journey, from challenges in his early school years to finding resilience through self-understanding. He discusses workplace accommodations, strategies that support his productivity, and how neurodivergent individuals can thrive when theirvoices are heard.Q&ACan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that youweren’t neurotypical?– Realized signs of autism as a child (strictly upholding Boy Scout rules, reporting classmates)– Faced misunderstandings and was often considered a “difficult student”– Diagnosis at 37 allowed him to reframe his identity and find communityWhat challenges did you face?– Struggled in school with subjects taught in abstract ways (math, chemistry)– Often misunderstood by teachers and peers– Burnout at work due to difficulty sustaining attention to detailWhat changes have come post-diagnosis?– Greater self-understanding and acceptance– Access to accommodations in the workplace– Recognition of strengths like persistence, honesty, and public speakingWhat challenges do you still face now?– Misconceptions from others (“you don’t look autistic”)– Workplace pushback on certain accommodations– Balancing impulsivity with appropriateness in social contextsWhat neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?– Public speaking and advocacy on global stages– Ability to remember details and uphold fairness– Strong initiative and resilienceWhat “work” projects are you concentrating on?– Community engagement at Dream Impact, a social enterprise in Hong Kong– Delivering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for companies and NGOs– Volunteering with organizations like Sensational Foundation and Fair Trade Hong KongHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?– Passion for classical music, ballet, and opera– Visiting museums and exploring art history– Enjoying stories about how artists reflect their timesProductivity tips — What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?– Using AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT) to help prioritize tasks and manage overwhelm– Taking regular breaks and practicing mindfulness during lunch– Setting boundaries around work hours to prevent burnoutWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?– Hustle culture: “just work harder”– Vague task assignments without clear priorities– Ignoring the need for rest and recoveryWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?– Wakes at 7 AM, eats breakfast, and prepares for work with a predictable routine– Learned to make mornings more structured after past struggles with stress– Packs and checks essentials the night before to avoid forgetfulnessHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?– Night routine includes prayer, light exercise, and avoiding screens before bed– Typically falls asleep within 10 minutes unless affected by caffeine– Uses music and reflection to transition from work to restConnect with Jonathan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankhmok9999/?originalSubdomain=hkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kahonm/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/

Welcome to episode #106! We’re thrilled to be joined by Christina Keeble.Christina Keeble is an autistic and ADHD educational consultant, speaker, and COO of the National PEAK Center—an allied health practice grounded in neuro-affirming principles. She’s also a dedicated parent of two PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) children, and brings a unique blend of lived experience, advocacy, and professional expertise to the conversation.In this episode, Christina shares her powerful journey of discovering her neurodivergence after her children’s diagnoses, and how that reshaped her approach to parenting, self-care, and work. From navigating school refusal to burnout recovery and creating sustainable work rhythms, Christina offers truth bombs and strategies for both neurodivergent individuals and the professionals who support them.⏱️ Timeline:00:00:00 – Intro + Guest Bio00:02:00 – Discovering She’s Autistic & ADHD00:04:30 – PDA Parenting Journey Begins00:06:00 – Diagnosis, Medication & Mental Health00:08:00 – What Is PDA? (Demand Avoidance Explained)00:10:00 – Reparenting, Trauma & Letting Go of Norms00:13:00 – Breaking the Parent Blame Cycle00:16:00 – Productivity & Harnessing Hyperfocus00:19:00 – What Christina Actually Does for Work00:22:00 – Neurodivergent Coaching & Workplace Inclusion00:28:00 – Why Fake Deadlines Work00:31:00 – Timer Tricks That Don’t Work00:34:00 – Tools That Might Work for PDA Brains00:37:00 – Chronic Illness, Burnout & Pacing00:42:00 – Final Advice for Neurodivergent Parents00:44:30 – Where to Find Christina Online📱 Follow Christina:Website: https://christinakeeble.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-keeble/?originalSubdomain=auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinakeebleconsulting/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinakeebleconsulting/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1

🎧 Welcome to Episode #105 of the Focus and Chill Podcast!Jeremy and Joey are back—breaking down what it really takes to stay productive, sane, and playful as neurodivergent adults navigating life, work, and boring responsibilities like taxes and job hunting.They dive into DUMB goals (a cheeky reframe of SMART goals), how automation can help with hard tasks, and why optimizing systems too much can actually hold you back.👤 Your Hosts:Jeremy – AuDHD founder of Focus Bear, software developer, and master of routinesJoey – Creative productivity coach, psychology nerd, and LLM tinkerer with big heart energy🧠 In This Episode, We Cover:What are DUMB Goals and why they might suit neurodivergent brains betterThe “optimization trap” and how to escape itJoey’s automated job application system using LLMs + doc generatorsJeremy’s spreadsheet-based second brain for managing email burnoutTactics for doing hard, boring tasks like tax returnsReplacing Evernote: digital tools that actually workRethinking email, task systems, and communication overloadWhy delight, play, and imperfection matter in long-term motivation🕒 Episode Timeline 00:00:00 – Intro + What We’re Covering00:02:00 – DUMB Goals vs SMART Goals00:05:00 – The Optimization Trap (Pros & Cons)00:08:00 – Automating Job Applications with LLMs00:14:00 – Grant Scoring & Task Prioritization00:16:00 – Jeremy’s Low-Dopamine Email Management System00:21:00 – Rethinking Email, Labels, and Replies00:24:00 – Layers of Communication (Email, Slack, Calls)00:25:00 – How DUMB Goals Fit Creative Projects00:27:00 – Resistance Training, Momentum & Reigniting Joy00:28:00 – Coloring Books, Cold Outreach, and Tax Returns00:31:00 – Second Brains, Note Apps & Evernote Replacements00:34:00 – OneNote vs Evernote + Final ReflectionsConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect 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/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1#ADHD #Neurodivergent #Productivity #DUMBGoals #Automation #FocusBear #MentalHealth #LLMHacks #CreativeDiscipline #SecondBrain #NoteTakingTools

🎧 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 Bio00:02:58 – Burnout Before Diagnosis00:03:30 – Realizing He’s Autistic at 4300:05:00 – Physical + Emotional Cost of Masking00:08:30 – Autistic Work Styles vs. Norms00:09:59 – Recovery & Shifting Expectations00:11:11 – Rejoining the Workforce (Differently)00:13:00 – New AI Job + Purpose-Driven Work00:16:03 – Tinkering with Tools, LLMs, and Side Projects00:18:00 – Teamwork, Improv & Learning from Burnout00:21:30 – Rewriting Internal Narratives & Delegation00:27:31 – Routines with a Toddler + Parenthood00:30:00 – Cooking Hacks, ADHD Evenings & Sleep Challenges00:33:00 – CPAP, Sleep Apnea & Neurodivergent Sleep00:33:47 – Final Thoughts: Compassion for All BrainsConnect with Mike Knapp:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpknappWebsite: mikeknapp.xyz/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_F-0WWGvJ188KI6CXiVKWwEmail: mike@mikeknapp.xyzConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect 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/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1

Welcome to episode #103! We’re thrilled to be joined by Yenn Purkis today.Yenn Purkis is an autistic, asexual, and non-binary advocate, author, and speaker with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. They’ve written 18 published books and contributed to many more. Known for their honest storytelling and passion for neurodivergent visibility, Yenn has delivered two TEDx talks and currently serves as Deputy CEO of the Disability Leadership Institute. Based in Canberra, Australia, Yenn shares their life with their beloved tortoiseshell cat, Sunflower, and is a self-proclaimed Star Trek “Borg” superfan. They are fiercely committed to authenticity, community, and using their voice to make space for others.Welcome to the show, Yenn!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? – Diagnosed with autism in prison at age 20 in 1994 – Initially rejected the label, masking heavily for survival – Took 10 years to fully embrace the diagnosisJN: What challenges did you face? – Internalized stigma made acceptance hard – Preferred to say “I’ve been in prison” over “I’m autistic” – Struggled with self-worth and masking in extreme environmentsJN: What changes have come post-diagnosis? – Found mentorship and community through advocate Polly Samuel – Began to embrace autistic pride and write books – Diagnosis opened the door to advocacy and self-acceptanceJN: What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now? – Working 9 jobs across advocacy, writing, and public speaking – Finds joy and stimulation in juggling multiple roles – Uses structure, discipline, and passion to stay productiveJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on? – Deputy CEO at Disability Leadership Institute – Working with Rebus Theatre, La Trobe University, University of Wollongong – Running the “Autism and Adulthood” course at My Life, My DecisionsJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? – Watching TV (Borg obsession, Star Trek, Breaking Bad, reality police shows) – Blogging, writing memes, cuddling with Sunflower the cat – Catching up with friends and writing personal essaysJC: Productivity tips – What do you do to optimise productivity? – Writes with structure: headings/subheadings first – Doesn’t wait for inspiration—focuses on discipline – Uses proactive mindset: “If I don’t want to do it, I do it first” – Doesn’t procrastinate—teaches herself to actJC: What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you? – Self-taught; hasn’t relied on traditional productivity models – Emphasizes doing over theorizingJN: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time? – Wakes up to cat Sunflower demanding breakfast – One coffee, big breakfast, then TV buffer before work – Loves Star Trek (especially Borg) and quirky sci-fi routinesJC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? – No fixed bedtime; varies with schedule – Often calls parents, watches TV, does light work in the evening – Takes medication at night to manage healthJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work? –LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yenn-purkis-469219b9–Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yennpurkisbooks–Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yennpurkis5–Threads: https://www.threads.com/@yennpurkis5–Email: funnyauthorperson@gmail.com –Books: https://yennpurkis.com/books/–TEDx talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSC1P49jOecJC: Final words or asks for the audience? – Reach out and connect – Keep questioning assumptions – Follow what brings you joy—even if it’s 9 jobs and a Borg duckMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/