I Must Be BUG'N
Does the world seem like it's dragging along at a different pace? Do you constantly feel like you're the only one who notices "the emperor has no clothes"? Were you constantly teased or shamed for not conforming to what's "normal"? Do you wish you had accommodations for your needs that others readily received?If that sounds all too familiar, you might be BUGN (Black Underrepresented/Unidentified Gifted and otherwise Neurodivergent).This is a podcast primarily for Black gifted and otherwise neurodivergent people to learn about and discuss our unique experiences. I'm also here to create a safe and empowering space...
It Must Be a Conversation with Rev. Nicholas Young
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Summary
In this episode, I have a powerful conversation with Reverend Nicholas Young about the intersections of faith, mental health, and the unique challenges faced by gifted and otherwise neurodivergent people. We touch on the importance of community, the role of grief in both ministry and therapy, and how to continue to center love and connection in a world filled with so many challenges. We also talk about the importance of working with Black boys...
It Must Be the Lesson in the Mirror
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Summary
In this episode, I explore the concept of being a mirror in relationships and how we can learn emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and personal growth. I delve into how our interactions with others can serve as mirrors, revealing lessons about ourselves. I discuss leveraging boundaries, the role of triggers in emotional responses, and the necessity of compassion for oneself and others. We talk a little James Baldwin and Rumi. This episode is about...
It Must Be Eugenics
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Summary
In this episode, I discuss the recent proposal by RFK Jr. to create a database of autistic individuals, expressing deep concern over the implications of such a move. He emphasizes the importance of community, advocacy, and understanding the complexities surrounding autism and neurodivergence. Sheldon calls for collective action against systemic oppression and misinformation, urging listeners to remain vocal and supportive of marginalized communities.
Key Points:
The proposal to create a...It Must Be My MEgo
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In this episode, I take my time really digging into the concept of ego, exploring its role in self-awareness and personal identity. I discuss the importance of understanding the ego as both a source of strength and a potential obstacle. I briefly discuss Freud while leaning much more heavily on the thoughts of Mooji and my own thoughts about how we conceptualize our Self.
I talk a bit about psychological theories...
It Must Be 2025 - Leave it and Receive it
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In this episode, I reflect on some things we need to leave in 2024 and some key things we need to make sure we're honing in on for 2025. I discuss things like patriarchy, the importance of internal validation, and the need for authentic community connections. How healthy boundaries and the power of imagination in creating new ways of being change our future? Join me as I think critically about our roles in perpetuating and dismantling oppressive systems while...
It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Matt
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In this previously recorded episode, I speak with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodivergence and giftedness. We explore the complexities of being neurodivergent, the importance of self-discovery, and the need for supportive environments for gifted individuals. Dr. Matt shares his personal experiences as someone who was identified as gifted early but had to wait several years to be diagnosed with ADHD. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and the necessity of...
It Must Be Good Grief
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Summary:
In this episode, I explore the complex nature of grief through personal experiences I've encountered over the past year or so. I reflect on the multiple deaths/transitions that led me to this point in my journey. I discuss the death of our cat, my grandmother, the challenge of ending a long-term marriage as well as the...
It Must Be Election Grief
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In this episode, I reflect on the emotional aftermath of the recent elections in the United States. I acknowledge the real and healthy grief many of us are experiencing. I spoke off the cuff and without any notes or quotes or prepared thoughts, just my heart. I give the briefest glimpse into why this goes much deeper than whether "my team...
It Must Be a Another Conversation about Decolonizing Neurodivergence
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Today we're welcoming back friend of the podcast, Dr. Kimberly Douglass. We're catching up with her and speaking more in-depth about what it means to, as she says, "Decolonize Neurodivergence" as well as why it's so important. Per usual, we just vibe and share our thoughts about how systems of oppression create unnecessary and harmful conditions we must work to free...
What is The Largest 4 Digit Number? - GUEST EPISODE - Square Pegs Podcast
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Join me for my first guest/collaboriation episode where I was interviewed by Arash Zaghi of the "Square Pegs" podcast. This is one of my favorite episdoes because Arash's vision is very much aligned with mine.
I share my journey as a neurodivergent person, reflecting on childhood experiences, educational...
It Must Be a Conversation with LaToya Hinton, PhD - Part 2
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We're back with the conclusion of our latest episode where I talk with the amazing LaToya Hinton, PhD. She is a late-identified AuDHDer who's gifted. LaToya is a mixed methods researcher, data nerd, python programmer and advocate for neurodivergent women leaders. She had so much to share about her experience of seld-discovery, how her relationship with her parents may have impacted...
It Must Be a Conversation with LaToya Hinton, PhD - Part 1
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We're back with a new episode where I talk with the amazing LaToya Hinton, PhD. She is a late-identified AuDHDer who's gifted. LaToya is a mixed methods researcher, data nerd, python programmer and advocate for neurodivergent women leaders. She had so much to share about her experience of seld-discovery, how her relationship with her parents may have impacted her neurodivergent journey...
It Must Be Them, Not Me - Part 1
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Ok, the self-awareness episode is HERE....finally. This is something I've been chewing on for MONTHS but I finally found time and space to start breaking down my thoughts. This first episode covers a lot of ground but is really just about the basics.
I attempt to share my thoughts on:
Why should want to look...It Must Be a Conversation with Shea Belsky
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In this episode I spoke with Shea Belsky who is the Chief Technology Officer for Mentra, a hiring platform for neurodivergent job seekers. We talked about the impact of more people receiving a diagnosis or even self-identifying as neurodivergent. Shea shares his experience as someone who was diagnosed with autism early in life and how it colors his career...
It Must Be a Conversation with Angela Davis - The Kitchenista
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Welcome to Season 2! In this episode we start out STRONG. I had the honor of having a discussion with Angela Davis aka the Kitchenista. She allowed me to create a safe space to discuss her journey of neurodivergent discovery. She shares her thoughts on going from being misdiagnosed when she was younger (all too common for Black women) while feeling...
It Must Be a Conversation with Kaitlin Smith
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In the final episode of my first Season, I interview Kaitlin Smith, MSW, Founder of Our Wild Minds. We talk about her work creating an amazing community for gifted BIPOC adults. Kaitlin shares her story, including the challenges of facing racism, sexism and mysogyny that created a significant misalignment with colleagues within her preparations to become a psychotherapist. She talks...
It Must Be a Conversation with Sydney Elaine Butler
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In this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Sydney Elaine Butler, an HR professional and Founder of Accessible Creates. We discuss the importance of centering neurodivergent voices and experiences, as well as Sydney's personal journey and understanding of neurodiversity. Sydney shares insights on improving internal HR practices and workplace accessibility, particularly for women. Sydney also highlights the importance of...
It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Kimberly Douglass
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In this episode, I speak with Dr. Kimberly Douglass, a coach and consultant to neurodivergent adults who also identifies as AuDHD. Dr. Douglass delves into the concept of decolonizing neurodivergence. We talk about how refusing homework for her son helps her push back against the systems that seek to determine our societal outcomes. She shares why genuine curiosity, grace, and...
It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Patty Williams
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On this episode I chat with my good friend, Dr. Patty Williams, a trauma therapist and advocate for the gifted and neurodivergent community. Dr. Patty shares her personal journey as a 2E child and now therapist. I speak with Dr. Patty about her upcoming book, healing gifted trauma and how we heal. She also discusses the Bloomers group, a Facebook community for gifted and twice exceptional adults. It's a great conversation that I've been looking forward to sharing with you all...
It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Dave Hester - Part 2
Enjoy the conclusion of my amazing conversation with Dr. Dave Hester, a Vice-President at LifeGuides, tech-innovator, speaker, psychologist, transformational leader with a goal of improving the wellbeing of 1 billion human lives.
In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Dave Hester, we discuss the importance of challenging our perspectives by not identifying with them, self-acceptance and compassion, rejection sensitivity and emotional permanance, Rumi and more.
Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)
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Connect with Dave:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhesterjr<...It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Dave Hester - Part 1
Happy New Year! I hope the holidays treated you well and you avoided many of the pitfalls of challenging experiences that can come with this annual cycle.
Dr. Dave Hester is a Vice-President at LifeGuides, tech-innovator, speaker, psychologist, transformational leader with a goal of improving the wellbeing of 1 billion human lives.
In Part 1 of my conversation with Dr. Dave Hester, we discuss his background, whether his family supported his neurodivergent journey, how LifeGuides aligned with his personal mission and how it's transforming workplaces as well as other neurodivergent curiosities about how life works.<...
It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Joy Lawson Davis
Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)
Today I was absolutely HONORED for my first guest to be Dr. Joy Lawson Davis, the award-winning author and preeminent advocate for Black and marginalized gifted students.
Dr. Davis' most recent books include "Bright Talented & Black: A guide for Families of Black gifted learners 2.0”; “Empowering Underrepresented Gifted Students: Perspectives from the Field” and “Culturally Responsive Teaching in Gifted Education: Building Cultural Competence and Serving Diverse populations”.
Our amazing discussion includes:
Her experience as a Black gifted childThe resistance she experienced in doing her work as a Black...It Must Be a Quick Check-In
Hey Community,
This episode is a QUICK check-in to let you all know where I've been and a few of the exciting things coming soon. Join me for this quick insight and feel free to catch-up on previous episodes you may have missed. I hope everyone is doing AMAZING and has at least one person that can help them feel seen and heard.
Lots of things, including GUEST episodes coming soon * insert looking eyes emoji *
Helpful Links:
"If I Let Go, Will Everything Be Okay?" - Sadhguru video (~11mins...It Must Be the Holidays
The holiday season can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Some of us choose to mask during the next couple months and then detox after. Some of us don't bother showing up at all. Have you ever wondered what it's like for neurodivergent people during the holidays?
Join me as I discuss many of the reasons the holidays aren't as pleasant for us as they are for others.
I also share some helpful tips for making this holiday season better, regardless of what you may have experienced in the past.
TO...
I Must Be Misunderstood
In this episode I address a few misconceptions that people have about gifted and otherwise neurodivergent people. There are many things we get tired of being judged for. There are questions we're tired of answering. There are ways we all can create safer spaces for people to be their full selves. This doesn't preclude us from accountability for harmful actions but it does mean we need to ask the question about how we create awareness of internalized ableist beliefs.
As they say, none of us is free until we're all free and we can't be free...
I Must Be Masking
Neurodivergent people are all too familiar with masking. It's the tiring process of trying to hide who we are. I'm hoping we can move past that to live our most authentic lives.
We mask because we're afraid of being hurt or abandoned. We get so fixated on the mask and getting people to accept and respect our "normalcy" that we lose sight of who we are and want to be. However, the truth is that the point at which we can let go of those expectations we give ourselves the most safety and freedom.
<...
Why Are We BUG'N?
In this episode, I dig into why this discussion is especially important for Black and underrepresented people. It can be a heavy episode, especially for those who didn't feel affirmed or supported in their neurodiversity and differences as a child.
I speak to things like:
How the mentality that "a child should stay in a child's place" is problematicThe consequences of not talking about the "touched" family memberHow Black feminist insights help identify the root of the structures that keep us stuckWhy some of the things meant to keep Black (and IPOC) people safe can...What is BUG'N? - Me
In this episode, I discuss the purpose of the podcast, the meaning of "BUG'N" and why gifted and neurodivergent people, especially adults, need more spaces to exist without stigmas.
Episode Transcript Provided by Podcastle
Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore
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