Real Stories & Lessons from Parenting a Neurodivergent Blended Family with Deanna Brakefield

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Deanna Brakefield—Birmingham-based radio show host, neurodivergent mom of a blended family of nine, and co-owner of a digital marketing agency. Deanna shares how launching her radio show, “Neurodivergent News,” not only shifted the direction of her personal and professional life but also provided a welcoming, real-world platform for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and parents to share their stories.About the Guest:Deanna Brakefield is a digital marketing strategist, radio show host, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent voices. As the host of Neurodivergent News, Deanna creates a space for authentic conversations, lived experiences, and community-centered storytelling. As a member of the advisory council for my host radio station, Deanna helps develop support systems for other hosts. Main Topics Covered:How starting a radio show catalyzed connections within the neurodivergent community and changed Deanna’s life pathThe journey of building a show without a prior broadcasting backgroundLiving as a neurodivergent family: diagnoses, genetic components, and blended family dynamicsWhat “neurodivergent” and “masking” mean, and why representation mattersThe unique challenges faced by neurodivergent entrepreneurs and parentsShifting the focus from marketing to authentic storytelling and community supportFinding balance and unity in family and business through the power of shared experienceQuote from the Episode:“The reality is, what I experienced was that people just want to make connections. They want to hear your story and tell theirs and just understood that they were seen.” — Deanna BrakefieldTimestamps: [00:00:06] Welcome and laughter; what brings Deanna joy[00:01:08] Beginning the radio show—how it all started[00:03:23] Deanna’s crash course in radio and the show’s focus[00:04:05] Neurodivergent family dynamics, blended family structure, and what “neurodivergent” means[00:05:14] Diagnoses and family patterns[00:06:53] How the radio show changed Deanna’s business and life[00:10:03] Handling guest interest and evolving the show format[00:10:51] Scheduling and live radio experience[00:12:07] Overcoming imposter syndrome and family reactions[00:13:57] Hopes for the show, expanding the business, and drawing in her kids[00:16:48] Life changes and achieving better balance through the show[00:19:56] Explanation of “masking” for neurodivergent people[00:22:52] How to connect, what Deanna offers, and special listener offer[00:24:24] Final three fun questionsSpecial Offer from the Guest:Brand Strategy Call & Social Media Profile OptimizationListeners receive the 1-hour strategy call free and may access the Profile Optimization service for only $180 when they mention the show. Offer valid through 2025.How listeners can collect this offer Mention The Art of Imperfect Adulting when booking your call. http://lionheartkingdom.com/If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportNever Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.Why subscribe?Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guestHere are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofjFor Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stonebefore that I used Kit. Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors