Living and Loving with Neurodivergence (176)

Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill sit down with Elijah Runyan, Director of Certified Coaching for Connection Codes, to dive deep into the world of neurodivergence and emotional connection. Both Elijah and Dr. Glenn share personal stories of what it’s like to live with unique emotional wiring—where everyday experiences, like dishes left undone or mismatched hangers, can trigger intense pain experiences. Through candid reflections, they reveal how shame and loneliness can take hold when these experiences go unseen or misunderstood, and how learning to process pain instead of judging it opens the door to authentic connection. This episode highlights how the Connection Codes framework—centered on regard, curiosity, and emotional awareness—has transformed their relationships, helping them move from miscommunication to genuine closeness with their families and partners.Links and Resources:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@connectioncodes?si=phORYBsGMOOrj9mA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find out how to become a Certified Coach:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find a coach:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menu⁠Connect with Elijah here: https://www.runyanstronghealth.com/Chapters: 00:00:00 - Opening Up: Why This Conversation Matters00:00:56 - What Neurodivergence Really Feels Like00:04:22 - When “Different” Becomes a Daily Struggle00:07:41 - From Shame to Identity: The Pain Behind Control00:12:14 - Why Being Seen Is More Powerful Than Being Helped00:21:15 - Raising Kids While Feeling Misunderstood00:22:22 - Making Room for Everyday Pain00:22:33 - Teaching Compassion Through Lived Experience00:25:10 - Travel, Triggers, and When Systems Break00:26:57 - Navigating Marriage with a Neurodivergent Lens00:29:13 - How We Learn to Speak Each Other’s Language00:30:19 - The Great Hanger Debate (Yes, Really)00:32:37 - Celebrating the Things That Set Us Apart00:35:10 - Final Thoughts on Connection, Curiosity, and Courage