PODCAST · health
Positive Disintegration
by Emma Nicholson and Chris Wells
What if your emotional intensity isn't a problem to solve, but a pathway to growth? Positive Disintegration explores how inner conflict and breaking down can lead to profound transformation. Hosts Chris Wells and Emma Nicholson dive into Kazimierz Dąbrowski's theory of positive disintegration, examining giftedness, neurodivergence, and the journey toward becoming your authentic self. www.positivedisintegration.org
Episodes
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The Third Path of Relationships
In episode 85, we discuss Emma’s recent piece, “The Third Path of Relationships,” which asks a question at the heart of the theory: is understanding required for love? Emma traces her own three phases of thinking about relationships—from the early days before finding positive disintegration,...
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Positive Maladjustment, Applied
In episode 84, Chris and Emma returned after a break, and this episode marks a change. We dropped into the conversation without a guest, an intro, or any of the usual formalities—just the two of us talking about positive maladjustment in the way we are living it right now. We talk about lived...
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Voices at the Margins
Episode 83 includes something we’ve never done before on Positive Disintegration. It’s a conversation among seven neurodivergent podcasters—recorded as part of a peer-reviewed paper that has just been published in Neurodiversity journal. The paper, “Voices at the Margins: Podcasting as Neuroqueer...
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Flourishing with AuDHD and PDA
In episode 82, Chris and Emma talk with Mattia Maurée about the intersection of ADHD, autism, and PDA—the Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. Mattia is an AuDHD coach and host of the ADHD Flourishing podcast. We discuss what it actually means to flourish rather than just cope or survive, why the...
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Reflections at Year Four
In episode 81, Chris and Emma mark four years of the podcast with a candid look at what’s changed—in themselves, their work, and their relationship to the theory. Both faced challenges this year, and both noticed something striking: they handled it differently than they would have before. The...
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Sexuality and Relationships
In episode 80, Chris and Emma talked with Heather Anne Keyes, a neuroqueer Gestalt psychotherapist and educator based in Durango, Mexico. Together, we explore the intersections between sexuality, neurodivergence, and development through the lens of Dąbrowski’s theory of positive disintegration....
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Crisis, Connection, and Fractals of Transformation
In episode 79, Chris and Emma explore the revolutionary idea that positive disintegration extends far beyond individual psychology with guest Richard Edelman, founder of Living Arts Wisdom and a cultural evolution strategist who synthesizes neuroscience, evolutionary philosophy, and…
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Polyvagal Pathways to Connection: Part 2
In episode 78, we continued our rich and engaging conversation with Autum Romano, an educator, bodyworker, and author from Colorado Springs, CO. This is the second in a two-part conversation exploring polyvagal theory and its relevance to personality development, healing, and human connection. We...
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Polyvagal Pathways to Connection: Part 1
In episode 77, Chris and Emma were joined by Autum Romano, an educator, bodyworker, and author from Colorado Springs, CO. This is the first in a two-part conversation exploring polyvagal theory and its relevance to personality development, healing, and human connection. Autum brings 28+ years of...
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Cosmic Connections
In this special crossover episode, we’re sharing Episode 3 of cosmic cheer squad—our new podcast from the Positive Disintegration Network. Chris and Bee are joined by a very special guest: Emma Nicholson, co-host of Positive Disintegration, for an in-person, around-the-table conversation recorded...
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Authenticity, Community, and Creative Unmasking
In Episode 75, Chris and Emma were joined by Gordon Smith, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Coach, and Creative from Gifted and Growing in Asheville, NC. Together, they explore how community, creativity, and authenticity support the journey of positive disintegration. Gordon shares…
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Live from Wisconsin, Part 2
Episode 74 includes Part 2 of our very first in-person podcast special. After years of collaborating across continents, Chris and Emma finally sat down together face-to-face in Madison, Wisconsin. In this spontaneous, laughter-filled continuation, we’re joined by Bee Mayhew and Pam Ryan for a…
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Live from Wisconsin, Part 1
Welcome to a very special episode of Positive Disintegration! For the first time ever, Chris and Emma sat down together in person to record—not virtually, not over Zoom or SquadCast, but face to face in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. In this warm and unscripted special, we reflect on our...
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Healing Through Writing
In episode 72, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Lil Jedynak—a memoir writing coach, multi-potential creative, and gifted adult—who helps people tell their life stories through the lens of autoethnography. Lil shares her journey of self-discovery, from uncovering her giftedness at 60 to finding new...
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Suicide, Stigma, and Support, Part 2
*Content Warning: This episode contains a discussion about suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners. Click here for resources. In episode 71, Chris and Emma continue the conversation with Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, a suicidologist, therapist, author, and professor at the University of...
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Suicide, Stigma, and Support, Part 1
*Content Warning: This episode contains a discussion about suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners. Click here for resources. In episode 70, Chris and Emma talk with Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, a suicidologist, therapist, author, and professor at the University of Denver. We discuss the...
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Myth, Neurodivergence, and Transformation
In episode 69, Chris and Emma talked with Lian Brook-Tyler, shamanic healer, teacher of unity, podcaster, and co-founder of the Be Mythical podcast. In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, we dive into the intersections of mysticism, neurodivergence, spirituality, transformation, and...
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Overexcitabilities and Dąbrowski's Theory
In episode 68, Chris and Emma debriefed about Chris’s session from NAGC 2023 titled “Overexcitabilities and Dąbrowski’s Theory: Correcting the Course in Gifted Education.” We covered the five common myths or misunderstandings about the theory of positive disintegration that were addressed in the...
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Depathologizing Intense Experiences
In episode 67, Chris and Emma were joined by Caitlin Hughes from the Divergent Dialogues podcast. Caitlin is an accredited mental health social worker and founder of Cathartic Collaborations, a neurodivergent-affirming private practice based in Brisbane, Australia. We dive deep into the...
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Three Years of Positive Disintegration
In episode 66, Chris and Emma celebrated the podcast’s third birthday! We reflect on our highlights, challenges, and lessons over the last year. One of the most rewarding aspects of our podcast journey has been the incredible community we've built around the theory of positive disintegration. The...
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Reflections on Giftedness and Dąbrowski's Theory, Part 2
In episode 65, Chris and Emma continue their two-part conversation with Dr. Linda Silverman. Linda shares her insights on asynchronous development, emphasizing the importance of understanding IQ scores as minimal estimates and not definitive indicators of a person's potential. Linda also reflects...
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Reflections on Giftedness and Dąbrowski's Theory, Part 1
In episode 64, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Linda Silverman, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist in Westminster, Colorado. Linda founded and directs the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development (ISAD) and its subsidiary, Gifted Development Center. This episode is Part 1 of a...
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Diverse Voices and Gifted Belonging
In episode 63, Chris and Emma talked with Sheldon Gay, a serial entrepreneur with a background in engineering and a tech-focused MBA. As a late-identified gifted and, therefore, neurodivergent Black man, Sheldon uses his experiences to help others embrace their unique identities and foster...
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Discovering Your Inner Compass: Our DC2024 Workshop
In episode 62, Chris and Emma delivered the audio from the DC2024 workshop they previewed in episode 58. The Dabrowski Congress was a special experience, and this workshop was no exception. So, we’d like to say a big thank you to the people who shared their thoughts and questions with us during…
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The Power of Professional Identity
In episode 61, Chris and Emma were joined by Dr. Sarabeth Berk Bickerton, a professional identity researcher and the leading expert on hybrid professional identity. Sarabeth is based in Boulder, Colorado, and author of More Than My Title: The Power of Hybrid Professionals in a Workplace of…
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Dabrowski 101, An Introduction to the Theory of Positive Disintegration
In episode 60, Chris and Emma introduced the theory of positive disintegration in a nutshell. We did our best to make it as approachable as possible and kept jargon to a minimum. Our goal was not to deliver a scholarly presentation of the theory but one for the layperson going through positive...
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Building Better Social Worlds with Theory
In episode 59, Chris and Emma were joined by Dr. Sergej van Middendorp and Abbie VanMeter of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. We discussed the CMM (Coordinated Management of Meaning) theory and its intersection with the theory of positive disintegration. Sergej helps generate...
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Walking Your Talk: DC2024 Workshop Preview
In episode 58, Chris and Emma shared a preview of the workshop they’ll deliver together at the 2024 Dabrowski Congress on July 11, 2024. We started with an overview of the Congress schedule, highlighting the mix of virtual and in-person sessions designed to cater to a diverse audience. Our...
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Nurturing Giftedness and Overexcitabilities in the Classroom
In episode 57, Chris and Emma talked with Summer Cowick, an educator with over 15 years of classroom experience specializing in gifted education in Kansas City. Through her coaching organization, Brilliant And Then Some, Summer strives to empower gifted and talented children and their families,...
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Why You'll Never Walk Alone
[Voiceover of written post] The song You’ll Never Walk Alone began life on Broadway in 1945, thanks to Rodgers and Hammerstein. It was instantly popular, and has been covered by many artists over the years. But in 1963, Gerry And The Pacemakers did their version, and Liverpudlian magic was made....
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From the Archive: Inner Growth
Welcome to the first official “From the Archive” post. We’ve added DC Archive to our Substack navbar, where you’ll find posts like this one with media shared from our Dabrowski Center archive. The presentation featured in this post was given by Dr. Michael M. Piechowski at the 12th Annual...
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Autoethnography for Personal Growth
In episode 56, Chris and Emma discussed autoethnography as a research method, and powerful tool for autopsychotherapy and transformation. Chris described autoethnography as a method for delving into one's life (usually through writing about it), not as an isolated individual but within the…
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Gifted Intersections and Transformation
In episode 55, Chris and Emma talked with Kaitlin Smith, a Boston-based scholar, facilitator, and founder of Our Wild Minds, which offers online community and programs that help gifted BIPOC unleash their natural gifts. Kaitlin is also a PhD student at Harvard in History of Science where her...
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Rethinking Mental Illness
This post contains the transcript and audio recording from a panel session I participated in at the virtual 2022 International Symposium on Autoethnography and Narrative (ISAN). I originally posted it for paid subscribers, and I’ve edited the audio to share it with our whole Substack list. The...
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Navigating the Tides of Change
Episode 54 features the presentation Chris and Emma gave at Gift-a-Palooza 2024, a virtual summit with more than 45 speakers on the topics of giftedness and neurodiversity. This was our first time presenting together, and we had a great time. We edited the audio from our discussion of positive...
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Quick Bite: Red Flag Behaviors 🚩
In episode 53, Chris and Emma discussed some of the “red flags” to be aware of when consuming content on positive disintegration. They discussed the importance of being aware of potentially problematic sources, particularly for those who are new to the theory. By sharing examples of red flags in...
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Voice as a Mirror of Inner States
In episode 52, Chris and Emma talked with Laura Stavinoha, who offers singers and speakers coaching and counseling about the voice and personal development through her company, Use Your Voice. Laura is the author of the book Voice: A Multifaceted Approach to Self-Growth and Vocal Empowerment and...
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Quick Bite: Gift-a-Palooza
In episode 51, Chris and Emma shared the news that they are presenting at a virtual summit, Gift-a-Palooza, and discussed their plans for the session. This is also the first episode where we’ve included outtakes at the end. We hope our errors and laughter are as amusing for you as they were for…
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Giftedness and Personality
In episode 50, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Deborah Ruf, author of the award-winning book 5 Levels of Gifted. In 2023, she released a follow-up book called The 5 Levels of Gifted Children Grown Up: What They Tell Us. Our conversation highlights her expertise in studying giftedness and…
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Quick Bite: Battling Socialization
In episode 49, Chris and Emma delve into the topic of socialization. We discussed how our understanding of socialization has evolved and how it plays a role in personal growth. We emphasized the deliberate nature of multilevel development and that individuals must actively and consciously engage…
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Piechowski's Insights on Positive Disintegration
In episode 48, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Michael M. Piechowski, close collaborator of Dr. Kazimierz Dąbrowski and a scholar in the field of gifted education. Michael’s work has expanded our understanding of the theory of positive disintegration and the qualitative experience of giftedness.…
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Harry Potter and the Path of Positive Disintegration
In episode 47, Chris and Emma talked with Katy McDaniel and Emily Strand from the Potterversity podcast. Katy is a professor of history at Marietta College, and Emily is a professor of religious studies at Mt. Carmel College of Nursing. Emma is the technical director for Potterversity, so her...
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Quick Bite: Two Years of Positive Disintegration
In episode 46, Chris and Emma celebrate the second birthday of the Positive Disintegration podcast and reflect on their work together. Our first episode launched on October 25, 2021, and in this Quick Bite, we expressed our gratitude for the podcast's positive impact on our lives and the…
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Quick Bite: Dabrowski Congress 2024
In episode 45, Chris and Emma discussed the upcoming 16th International Dabrowski Congress, which will be held virtually on July 11-13, 2024. In the episode, we discussed the proposed format, the theme, keynote speakers, and we put out a call for your action. We're calling for proposals for...
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Complexity, Intensity, and Multiple Perspectives
In episode 44, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodivergence and giftedness. Matt discussed his personal connections with his work as a psychologist in the gifted field and his experiences being gifted and ADHD. We discussed topics such as...
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Quick Bite: Trauma and Disintegration
In episode 43, Chris and Emma delved into the topic of trauma and disintegration, spurred by a question from our Facebook community. We discussed that while trauma can act as a catalyst for disintegration, it is not a prerequisite. Disintegration can also be triggered by other life events, such…
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Dynamisms, Personality Ideal, and Inner Work
In episode 42, Chris and Emma continued the conversation with Catherine Zakoian, MA, NCC, LPC, a counselor and consultant from Boulder, Colorado, and author of Raising Gifted Children: A Practical Guide for Parents Facing Big Emotions and Big Potential. We started the discussion by asking…
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Overcoming the Self-Stigma of Mental Illness (Part 3)
[Voiceover of written post] In part three, Chris reflects on their journey of self-discovery through the lens of Dąbrowski’s theory and autoethnography. They recount how discovering autoethnography provided them with a framework to understand their life experiences, including traumas and their...
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Emotional Tension, the Shadow, and Personal Growth
In episode 41, Chris and Emma talked with Catherine Zakoian, MA, NCC, LPC, a counselor and educational consultant from Boulder, Colorado. Catherine is also the author of Raising Gifted Children: A Practical Guide for Parents Facing Big Emotions and Big Potential. We discussed emotional tension…
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Overcoming the Self-Stigma of Mental Illness (Part 2)
[Voiceover of written post] This is part two of Chris's personal journey of overcoming self-stigma. Chris narrates their struggle with self-stigma and mental health, beginning with feeling like a failure post-high school despite being identified as gifted. Seeking understanding in psychiatry led…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What if your emotional intensity isn't a problem to solve, but a pathway to growth? Positive Disintegration explores how inner conflict and breaking down can lead to profound transformation. Hosts Chris Wells and Emma Nicholson dive into Kazimierz Dąbrowski's theory of positive disintegration, examining giftedness, neurodivergence, and the journey toward becoming your authentic self.
www.positivedisintegration.org
HOSTED BY
Emma Nicholson and Chris Wells
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Positive Disintegration have?
Positive Disintegration currently has 86 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Positive Disintegration about?
What if your emotional intensity isn't a problem to solve, but a pathway to growth? Positive Disintegration explores how inner conflict and breaking down can lead to profound transformation. Hosts Chris Wells and Emma Nicholson dive into Kazimierz Dąbrowski's theory of positive disintegration,...
How often does Positive Disintegration release new episodes?
Positive Disintegration has 86 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Positive Disintegration?
You can listen to Positive Disintegration on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Positive Disintegration?
Positive Disintegration is created and hosted by Emma Nicholson and Chris Wells.
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