The NeuroSpicy MomPod

This week on The NeuroSpicy MomPod, I’m joined by neuroscientist and late-diagnosed autistic adult Michelle Karth for an incredibly validating conversation about autistic masking, late diagnosis, nervous system burnout, chronic stress, sensory overwhelm, and why so many neurodivergent women were completely missed growing up. We dive into the neuroscience behind masking, why burnout can feel physically debilitating, how trauma and neurodivergence overlap, and the emotional process of realizing you were never “too sensitive” or “bad at life” ...your brain was just trying to survive in environments that didn’t support it. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from performing normalcy, struggled with people pleasing, or wondered why life seems harder for you than everyone else, this episode is going to hit deep.Michelle shares both the science and lived experience behind autism, ADHD traits, sensory processing, identity loss after burnout, and what healing can actually look like when you stop forcing yourself to function like a neurotypical person.You can connect with Michelle here:Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & Threads: @adult_autism_assessmentYouTube: @AdultAutismAssessmentCenterWebsite: newpathfamily.com🎧 Listen on Patreon, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio & YouTube.💖 Full video episodes, bonus content, community discussions, and direct support for the show are available on Patreon.And truly, thank you for being here. I’m a single neurodivergent mama still recovering from dv, autistic burnout, and rebuilding life from the ground up while trying to create a space that helps people feel less alone. Every subscription, share, review, and episode download genuinely helps support both this podcast and my little family more than you know. 💖#Autism #ADHD #LateDiagnosis #AutisticBurnout #NeurodivergentWomen #AuDHD #MentalHealthPodcast #NervousSystemHealing #TraumaHealing #theNeuroSpicyMomPod

What if your child isn’t refusing… but actually can’t?In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the most powerful mindset shifts in parenting... the difference between “won’t” and “can’t.” Because what looks like defiance is often something much deeper: nervous system dysregulation.I’m joined by Stacey Curnow, AuDHDer, family therapist, and founder of Asheville Family Counseling, who specializes in helping parents move out of exhausting power struggles and into true partnership with their kids using Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) framework.We talk about:Why behavior is communication (not a character flaw)How dysregulation shows up before the meltdownWhy traditional discipline models miss the markHow to shift from control → curiosity → connectionSupporting kids with sensitive or demand-avoidant nervous systemsThis conversation is your “glasses moment”.... the one that changes how you see everything.💖 Free Gift for Listeners:Stacey is offering a free resource called the Defiance Decoder — a simple tool to help you recognize that what we often call “defiance” is actually a late sign of dysregulation, and how to spot the earlier signals so you can intervene before things escalate.👉 ashevillefamilycounseling.com/podcast-gift🔗 Connect with Stacey:🌿 Website: ashevillefamilycounseling.com📲 Instagram: @AshevilleFamilyCounseling📘 Facebook: @StaceyCurnow🎧 Podcast: The Repair Your Relationship Podcast🎙️ New episodes every week💖 Join the NeuroSpicy community on Patreon for full video episodes and deeper conversations

Why do we stay in situations that don’t align with what we know?Why do we ignore red flags… justify our choices… or struggle to accept new information...even when it’s right in front of us?In this episode, we’re breaking down cognitive dissonance, the psychological tension that happens when our beliefs, behaviors, and identity don’t line up.We explore the science behind it, including the work of Leon Festinger and the neuroscience of how the brain detects and resolves internal conflict. From there, we connect it to real life - relationships, parenting, identity, and the systems we participate in.Because this isn’t just a theory. It’s something every single one of us experiences.And for neurodivergent individuals, this process can feel even more intense...especially when unmasking and questioning long-held expectations.This episode is about understanding, not judging.Because the more we understand how our brains work… the easier it becomes to have compassion for the versions of ourselves that didn’t know what we know now.✨ Stay until the end for a journal prompt to help you reflect on your own experiences with cognitive dissonance.💖 If this episode resonates, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need it.✨ Want a space where you don’t have to mask or figure it out alone?Join our cozy community over on Patreon!

Welcome back to your newest obsession - The NeuroSpicy MomPod 💖In today’s episode, I’m joined by Gabriel Hannans, a special education teacher, registered behavior technician, author of Parent Behavior Encyclopedia, and a powerful voice at the intersection of parenting, education, and social justice.This conversation goes deep.We unpack what behavior actually is (and why it’s so often misunderstood), how our education system is built around compliance instead of connection, and what it really looks like to support kids, especially neurodivergent kids, from a place of curiosity instead of control.We talk about:✨ Why behavior is communication...not defiance✨ The difference between connection and control in parenting + classrooms✨ Why “compliance” isn’t the goal (and what happens when it is)✨ How nervous system regulation changes everything✨ The truth about “manipulation” in children✨ Why the system isn’t broken… it’s functioning as designed✨ And what it could look like to rebuild education around human dignityThis episode is for anyone who has ever felt like:“Something about the way we’re doing this… just doesn’t feel right.”Because you’re not wrong 💖You can find Gabriel on all platforms here:Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & YouTube:👉 @the_indomitable_blackman(That’s indomitable—not abominable 😉)If this conversation resonated with you, don’t forget to:💖 Follow/Subscribe to the podcast💖 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it💖 Leave a rating or review...it helps this message reach more peopleAnd if you’re looking for a cozy, judgment-free space to go even deeper, subscribe here on Patreon to get video episodes, community boards, and content that's only behind the paywall 💖

“You don’t look neurodivergent.”If you’ve ever heard that or felt like your struggles weren’t “visible enough” to be taken seriously...this episode is for you.In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, I’m breaking down what it actually means to “look” neurodivergent, and why so many people, especially adults, women, and high-masking individuals, are overlooked, misdiagnosed, or not believed.After receiving a comment accusing me of “cosplaying” neurodivergence, I’m diving into the deeper reality behind masking (also known as camouflaging), late diagnosis, and the psychological impact of growing up undiagnosed.We’ll explore the research behind masking, including work from Laura Hull and Devon Price, and how constantly performing neurotypical behavior can lead to burnout, self-doubt, and identity confusion.This episode is for anyone navigating:✨ Autism or ADHD (diagnosed or self-identified)✨ Masking and burnout✨ Late diagnosis or questioning your neurodivergence✨ Feeling “not neurodivergent enough”✨ Nervous system overwhelm and healing💖 You are not alone and your experience does not have to be visible to be valid.If this resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you want to support this space, you can subscribe on Patreon for $1–$5/month to help me continue building a safe, validating space for neurodivergent voices.✨ Follow, subscribe, and join the NeuroSpicy community!

In this episode, we’re breaking down the difference between growth mindset and fixed mindset—and how the way we speak to ourselves shapes what we believe is possible.We explore where these beliefs come from, how they show up in our lives, and why this conversation is especially important for neurodivergent individuals navigating systems that were never built for them.This is your reminder that you’re not broken—you may have just never been supported in the way you needed.💖 If this resonates, make sure to subscribe and share the podcast so we can keep building a more understanding, nervous-system-safe world together.

Before we dive in, a quick note 💛The audio and video are slightly out of sync in parts of this episode. Thank you for your patience and understanding as you listen through!Also, I want to acknowledge and apologize for something I caught after recording: I accidentally used the terms “authoritarian” and “authoritative” interchangeably at times.To clarify, I was always referring to authoritarianism when discussing the education system.In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, I sit down with returning guest Olivia Couch, creator of Punk Philosophers, to explore a question that might feel a little uncomfortable… but really important:👉 Are we educating our kids… or conditioning them?We dive into:how authoritarian structures show up in modern educationthe impact this has on children’s nervous systems and emotional developmentwhy neurodivergent kids are often the first to feel the crackshow compliance is rewarded over curiosity and critical thinkingand what becomes possible when we center love, autonomy, and human development insteadThis conversation challenges a lot of what we’ve been taught to accept as “normal” in school systems and invites us to imagine something different.📄 Article referenced in this episode:https://escholarship.org/content/qt3079p1k6/qt3079p1k6.pdf🌱 Connect with Olivia Couch (Punk Philosophers):Instagram: @lapazoliviaWebsite: https://punkphilosophers.comOlivia creates alternative learning environments rooted in play, creativity, and human development, and offers both children’s programs and adult classes.💖 If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s questioning the system too.💖 Follow, rate, and review the podcast to support the mission and help grow this community.

In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we explore learned helplessness, a psychological pattern that develops when someone is repeatedly placed in situations where their actions don’t seem to matter. Over time, the brain adapts by assuming that effort is pointless and that belief can begin to shape everything from motivation to emotional response.This conversation breaks down the research behind learned helplessness and expands into how it shows up in trauma, neurodivergence, and everyday life. It also explores a larger question, what happens when this pattern isn’t just individual, but collective?More importantly, it offers a starting point for something different...the idea that agency can be rebuilt, slowly, through small moments that remind us our actions still hold weight.✨ Journal Prompt:Where in my life do I still have even a small amount of choice?💖 If this resonated, share it with someone who might need it, and follow along for more conversations on neurodivergence, healing, and understanding the nervous system.

Welcome to Season 4 of The NeuroSpicy MomPod. 💖This podcast is a space where we explore neurodivergence, nervous system regulation, trauma, healing, and rebuilding life with more awareness and compassion.In this opening episode, I share the deeper story behind why this podcast exists... from my years as a teacher studying psychology and nervous system regulation, to navigating CPTSD, leaving an abusive relationship, and rebuilding life as a single mom.Season 4 is about going deeper into the conversations that help us understand ourselves, our nervous systems, and the systems that shape our lives.This first episode is being released as a full video episode for free across all platforms.After this, full video episodes will live behind the NeuroSpicy Patreon paywall, where we’re building a deeper community space for conversation, journal prompts, and support.If this mission resonates with you, I’d love for you to help grow this space.You can join for free, or support the podcast for as little as $1/month.🌿 Join the NeuroSpicy community: https://patreon.com/TheNeuroSpicyMomPod?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 

This episode closes out Season 3 of The NeuroSpicy MomPod!There’s no recap and no personal update here. Instead, this conversation centers on staying grounded, trusting the process, and tending to our nervous systems when everything feels loud and uncertain.This episode isn’t about forcing optimism or pretending things are okay. It’s about presence, regulation, and remembering what we can hold and shape, even in chaotic moments.If this podcast has been supportive for you, subscribing on Patreon is the best way to help sustain this work. And as always, sharing the episode helps it reach the people who need it most.Thank you for being here - Tata!

I don’t have a perfect script for this moment in history — but I do know what my body feels.In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we talk about neurodivergent joy — not as denial, not as “look on the bright side,” but as nervous system regulation and psychological survival.We explore why justice-sensitive, neurodivergent people feel injustice so deeply, how chronic activation impacts the nervous system, and why moments of joy, beauty, and sensory grounding are not indulgent — they’re necessary.This is an episode for anyone who feels overwhelmed, activated, heartbroken, or stretched thin by awareness — and who needs permission to let joy count.If this episode resonated with you, the most meaningful way to support this work is by subscribing on Patreon, where I can continue creating without ads or censorship. And if Patreon isn’t accessible right now, following, rating, commenting, or sharing this episode truly helps more than you know. 💖

In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, I sit down with David Schmidt Jimenez — a late-diagnosed autistic, Cuban American educator based in Baltimore — for a conversation that hits deep if you’ve ever felt like you were expected to comply instead of being understood.Together, we unpack what it actually looks like to support neurodivergent and multilingual learners inside systems that weren’t built for them - through autonomy, dignity, nervous-system awareness, and engagement that isn’t rooted in control.We talk about:the difference between depression and autistic burnout (and why burnout can feel confusing as hell)why “defiance” is often a drive for autonomythe “double empathy” problem (and how miscommunication becomes conflict in classrooms)why so many power struggles are preventable with clarity + respectful languagehow rigid school structures (time pressure, transitions, verbal directions) dysregulate kidsself-determination theory in real classrooms: autonomy, belonging, and competencethe social contract and why teachers have to use it on themselves firstdaily nervous system check-ins, co-regulation, and building community in a way that actually works Bonus: This episode is also available as a free video episode — and if you like this format, subscribe so you don’t miss future video drops.Website: selfdeterminedbaltimore.orgSocial: @bmoreautisticed (TikTok / Instagram / YouTube)LinkedIn: David Schmidt (link available via his website) If this episode helped you feel seen, please follow/subscribe, leave a review, and share it with an educator or parent who needs this conversation. And if you want to support this neurodivergent single mama + keep the podcast growing, come join us on Patreon for more. Tata! 

Why does healing feel harder after you finally have words for what you’ve been living through?In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, I explore why awareness can feel destabilizing at first — especially for neurodivergent adults, trauma survivors, parents, and late-diagnosed women who spent years surviving through masking, fawning, and dissociation.From a nervous system and neuroscience lens, awareness doesn’t make life harder — it removes numbness. And when dissociation was doing the heavy lifting, feeling again can feel overwhelming.In this episode, we talk about:Awareness vs. dissociationThe fawn response as a survival strategy (not people-pleasing)Autistic burnout and delayed nervous system collapseWhy neurodivergent women often “seem fine” until adulthoodHow shared language reduces shame and supports regulationIf you’ve ever felt more sensitive, more tired, or more impacted since learning about your neurodivergence — you’re not broken. You’re listening.✨ Stay until the end for a gentle journal prompt designed to support nervous system integration.🎙️ Hosted by Austen Marie, a neurodivergent mama, former teacher, and psychology-loving nervous system nerd creating a cozy, sensory-safe corner of the internet.

What does neurodivergent support look like when you don’t have a safety net?In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, I talk openly about the gap between neurodivergent support in theory and neurodivergent survival in real life — especially for those without excess money, flexible systems, healthcare access, or generational support.I share my lived experience as a neurodivergent single mom living paycheck to paycheck, including why I left my teaching career despite student loan debt and health insurance, and how choosing nervous system safety often comes with real material costs. We explore burnout, class, access to diagnosis and services, and why so much neurodivergent advice can quietly assume resources many people simply don’t have.This episode also weaves in research around socioeconomic status, diagnosis, and access to support — and challenges the idea that healing should be something only available to those with money, time, or privilege.If you’ve ever felt unseen in neurodivergent spaces, overwhelmed by advice that doesn’t fit your reality, or exhausted from surviving in systems that weren’t built for your brain — this episode is for you.✨ Topics include:• Neurodivergence and socioeconomic access• Burnout and nervous system survival• Leaving harmful careers to protect mental health• Diagnosis barriers for kids and adults• Why “advice without access becomes pressure”• Community as regulationIf this episode resonated, sharing it, leaving a review, or supporting the podcast helps keep this space alive. And whether you’re listening while working, resting, or just trying to get through the day — I’m really glad you’re here.Be gentle with your nervous system today. 💖

In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, I’m sitting down with Kory Andreas for a gentle, grounding conversation about late-diagnosed autism, nervous system safety, and what it actually looks like to unmask in a world that wasn’t built for us.We talk about the lived experience of discovering neurodivergence later in life... the realization , the relief, and the quiet joy that can come when things finally make sense. Kory shares pieces of her own journey, including parenting an autistic child, and we explore why so many neurodivergent adults are craving spaces where they don’t have to perform, explain, or push through.This conversation weaves through:late diagnosis and identity repairnervous system awareness and regulationunmasking, healing, and self-acceptancewhy community matters more than “fixing yourself”creating spaces that feel safe instead of demanding✨ Holiday Community PreviewI’m sharing this episode as a video for all members as a small holiday offering — a reminder that rest, validation, and belonging aren’t things you have to earn. If this conversation resonates, you’re already part of what we’re building here.If you’d like to support the podcast and help me continue creating this work, you’re welcome to join the Patreon — memberships start at $1–$5/month and directly support a neurodivergent single mama building soft, sustainable community.Whether you’re parenting neurospicy kids, reparenting yourself, or just starting to understand your own nervous system — I’m really glad you’re here.🎧 New episodes weekly💖 Community over perfection. Always.

In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we explore why neurodivergence so often goes unrecognized in families — and how genetics, normalization, and survival can quietly shape generations of nervous systems.As we move through the holiday season, this conversation gently holds space for:Adults who grew up undiagnosed neurodivergentParents reparenting themselves while raising neurospicy kidsAnyone realizing that family gatherings feel overwhelming for very real, neurological reasonsWe talk about:The science behind the genetic nature of neurodivergenceWhy shared traits within families are often normalized instead of recognizedHow awareness can change what we’re able to tolerateAnd why choosing gentleness, boundaries, or distance can be an act of self-love — not rejectionThis episode is especially for anyone navigating grief, clarity, and compassion all at once — and learning how to protect their nervous system without shame.💖 Want more behind-the-scenes, off-script conversations and personal updates?You can support the podcast and access bonus content by subscribing on Patreon. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee, your support helps keep this space alive and growing — and helps normalize the neurodivergent experience one gentle conversation at a time.✨ Subscribe on Patreon (desktop is best to avoid extra app fees), and thank you for being here.Take care of your heart. Take care of your nervous system. You’re doing better than you think. 💖

A compassionate, science-backed conversation about what happens when neurodivergent parents want to be the calm for their kids… but their own nervous system is completely overwhelmed.In this episode, we explore:✨ why ND parents reach their limits faster✨ the physiology, psychology, neurology, and biology behind dysregulation✨ why losing your calm isn’t failure, it’s a nervous system asking for support✨ the power of repair, honesty, and self-compassionWe’re also featuring our Small Biz Shoutout of the week!This episode spotlights the beautiful children’s book “I’ve Got You,” created to help kids understand big feelings through connection, safety, and emotional modeling.✨ Follow on Instagram: @ive_got_you_childrens_book✨ Find the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1036905918?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_T00K4KJ2T7BT28MBSDB5And at the end of the episode, you’ll find a gentle journaling prompt to help you reflect with softness instead of shame.Whether this is your first time listening or you’ve been here from the beginning... I’m so grateful you’re here. 💛✨If the episode resonates, I’d love if you subscribed, shared, or left a review to help the podcast reach more neurodivergent families.

This week on The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we’re diving into something almost every neurodivergent parent (and reparenting adult) is feeling right now: why the holiday season quietly turns our nervous systems inside out.From unpredictable school routines, sensory chaos, dark mornings, social pressure, emotional expectations, family dynamics, and the general overstimulation of this time of year — it’s no wonder our kids are extra sensitive… and so are we.In this cozy, compassionate episode, Austen breaks down:✨ Why neurodivergent kids struggle more this time of year✨ How constant schedule changes disrupt emotional regulation✨ Why adults feel irritable, tired, overwhelmed, or “not themselves”✨ The biology behind seasonal dysregulation✨ How to support your child — and yourself — with gentle nervous-system tools✨ What co-regulation actually looks like during chaotic seasons✨ Simple ways to bring calm back into your homeIf you and your child have been feeling “off,” more emotional, more sensitive, or just done, you are not imagining it — and you are definitely not alone. Your nervous system is responding exactly the way it was designed to.This episode is your reminder that nothing’s wrong with you. Nothing’s wrong with your child. This season is simply loud, chaotic, unpredictable, and biologically mismatched… and you deserve compassion as you move through it.🌿 Stay till the end for our weekly journaling prompt — a grounding little moment you can bring into your real life immediately.If you’re a late-diagnosed adult, a neurodivergent parent, or someone raising neurospicy kids while healing your own childhood wounds in real time, this episode is especially for you.Grab something warm to drink, take a deep breath, and settle into this cozy conversation. 💖

Hey friends — today we’re untangling one of the biggest misconceptions in parenting advice: the idea that neurodivergent kids should respond to “normal” discipline and behavior strategies the same way neurotypical kids do. Spoiler alert: they don’t. Because their brains don’t.In this episode, we walk through the developmental science, the nervous system responses, the missed educational gaps, and the cultural misconceptions that leave ND parents feeling judged, misunderstood, and alone.This episode is especially for parents who’ve ever been told they’re “too soft,” “too sensitive,” or “enabling” their child — when really, you’re the only one actually parenting from neuroscience instead of outdated beliefs.If this episode resonates with you, here’s how you can support this single neurodivergent mama and help me keep this podcast going:💖 Join the NeuroSpicy Squad on PatreonYou’ll get video episodes, life updates, the full journaling library, and access to our cozy ND community where you never have to mask.(And remember — signing up on desktop avoids Apple’s mobile fee!)🛒 Shop my Etsy store this holiday season: TheNeuroSpicyMama.Etsy.comEvery purchase helps support me and my boys while I continue building this safe corner of the internet for our community.Your support literally keeps this podcast alive, and I’m endlessly grateful for each and every one of you.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into something so many late-identified neurodivergent adults know all too well — the feeling of having two versions of yourself living inside the same body.There’s the younger you who survived life without language for your neurodivergence…and the current you who’s finally beginning to understand your wiring, your needs, and your nervous system.This episode explores:🌿 Growing up misunderstood or undiagnosed🌿 The identity you built from shame, masking, and misinterpretation🌿 The moment everything “clicks” after late identification🌿 The imposter syndrome of discovering your ND identity as an adult🌿 Rebuilding who you are with compassion, softness, and nervous-system awareness🌿 How parenting ND kids often becomes a mirror for healing your own inner childIf you’re navigating identity, unmasking, late diagnosis, emotional regulation, or the grief of realizing you were never the problem — this episode is for you.💖 Want the video version, the journal prompt library, cozy community message boards, and weekly life updates?Join the NeuroSpicy Squad on Patreon for the full experience:✨ patreon.com/TheNeuroSpicyMomPod ✨(Plus an insider tip: sign up on desktop to avoid Apple’s extra in-app fee.)Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this tender, sparkly community.Let’s heal together — one nervous system moment at a time. 💖✨

This week’s episode cracked my heart open in the best way. 💞 “What Our Children Wish We Knew” is a love letter to the kids we’re raising and the little ones still living inside us.In this exclusive video episode, I’m sharing not just the full podcast recording — but also an off-script, heart-to-heart life update about what’s been happening behind the scenes lately. (Because we know healing, parenting, and surviving life as a neurodivergent human rarely go according to plan 🫠💫).We’ll explore:✨ What our kids wish we understood about their daily sensory world✨ The neuroscience of safety, regulation, and emotional growth✨ How reparenting ourselves transforms how we parent our children✨ Why compassion — not compliance — rewires the nervous system for trust💖 Thank you for being here and supporting this growing community. Your Patreon support makes this possible — every pledge helps keep this cozy corner of the internet shining.🛍️ Use code MOMPODSQUAD for 25% off your entire order at TheNeuroSpicyMama.Etsy.com 💕Because when you shop small, you’re supporting real families and dreams.🎧 Full-length public version also streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube!#NeuroSpicyMomPod #NeurodivergentParent #GentleParenting #ConsciousParenting #CycleBreaker #HealingJourney #Neuroscience #NervousSystemRegulation #Reparenting #ParentingPodcast #NeuroSpicyCommunity #TraumaInformedParenting #theneurospicymompod

Why do some kids seem unable to go to school—no matter how much we encourage, reward, or reason with them? In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we unpack school refusal through a neurodivergent and trauma-informed lens. 🌻You’ll learn how emotional distress, sensory overload, and chronic stress create a physiological response that the brain interprets as danger—and why forcing attendance without addressing safety often makes things worse.We’ll also explore how these patterns show up in adulthood as work avoidance, burnout, or social anxiety—and how healing begins when we stop asking “what’s wrong with me?” and start asking “what is my body protecting me from?”✨ Listen in for:The difference between defiance and distressHow stress conditioning shapes the nervous systemPolyvagal theory & emotional safety explained simplyTools for co-regulation and self-regulationA guided grounding moment to help you reset💖 If this episode helped you feel seen, please share it and follow the show! Supporting this work—by leaving a review, joining Patreon, or shopping small at TheNeuroSpicyMama.Etsy.com—helps keep this safe space thriving.Keywords:neurodivergent parenting, school refusal, trauma-informed, nervous system regulation, gentle parenting, anxiety, ADHD, autism, burnout, co-regulation, reparenting, nervous system healing

✨ S3E7: The Hidden Cost of Neurodivergence ✨Let’s talk about the price of existing in a neurotypical world — the emotional labor, the job instability, the financial strain, and the silent burnout so many neurodivergent adults and parents face.In this week’s episode, Austen Marie opens up about her own journey navigating career loss, chronic overwhelm, and rebuilding from the ground up while parenting two neurospicy kiddos.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you stream.💖 Support the pod on Patreon to unlock bonus video content & behind-the-scenes updates!SEO Keywords:The NeuroSpicy MomPod, hidden cost of neurodivergence, autism burnout recovery, ADHD money struggles, neurodivergent parenting podcast, trauma healing for moms, CPTSD stories, reparenting podcast

In this week’s episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, host Austen Marie chats with Kecia Nelson (@wholehearted_parenting)—a licensed clinical social worker and mom—about the messy, beautiful process of reparenting yourself while parenting your kids.They dive deep into healing generational trauma, understanding the nervous system, and creating homes rooted in emotional safety and compassion. Kecia offers grounded, practical tools for parents who are learning to show up differently for their children—and themselves.💫 Listen in for:Real talk on breaking cycles and finding balanceThe 4 S’s of secure attachmentHow to regulate when you’re triggeredWhy emotional safety matters more than perfectionFollow Kecia on Instagram at @wholehearted_parenting and learn more about her work at wholeheartedlives.com

In this week’s episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we’re talking about something so many of us live without realizing it — being trained to tolerate. From toxic workplaces to unhealthy relationships, many of us learned early on to shrink, stay quiet, and settle.Let’s unpack where that pattern comes from, how it shows up in our nervous systems, and how to start recognizing the difference between tolerance and alignment.✨ Want early access to video episodes and bonus content? Join the Patreon community at patreon.com/theneurospicymompod 💖

🎙️ Today I’m joined by Bry Bryan (@brythetherapist)—a licensed trauma therapist who works with neurodivergent kids, overwhelmed parents, and adults navigating trauma. Her own lived experiences with addiction and survival shaped the way she shows up in therapy—with compassion, honesty, and hope.Together we explore:✨ How trauma and neurodivergence overlap in complicated ways✨ What parents can do when they feel overwhelmed✨ Why teens deserve more understanding than they usually get✨ The most common “lightbulb moments” adults have when discovering their own ND identity💖 Connect with Bry:TikTok: @brythetherapistTrauma Therapy Company👉 If you loved this episode, don’t forget—there’s a video version of this interview exclusively on Patreon, along with bonus content and behind-the-scenes extras. Support the show and subscribe here: Patreon.com/NeuroSpicyMomPod

This week on The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we zoom out and trace the history of how society has seen neurodivergence. From myths of “divine madness,” to the rise of asylums, to the Disability Rights and Neurodiversity movements — this episode explores how far we’ve come, and why it matters right now.You’ll hear about:How ancient cultures framed differences in behaviorThe grim legacy of asylums & treatments like ECT and lobotomyRosemary Kennedy’s tragic story and its modern echoesThe rise of disability rights, IEPs, and the word neurodiversityPractical supports & why community is essential today✨ If this resonates, share the episode with a friend — and if you’d like to support me & join a safe ND community, check out my Patreon where I post bonus episodes, conversation boards, and our upcoming book club.SEO Keywords: neurodivergence podcast, ADHD podcast, autism podcast, disability rights history, neurodiversity, Rosemary Kennedy, mental health podcast

In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, Austen Marie sits down with educator and advocate Olivia Couch to explore love, autonomy, and the power of unlearning in education. Together, they dive into the role of teachers as ethnographers, the challenges of burnout, and how community and play can transform learning. Olivia also shares her journey creating the Punk Philosophers Garage Cafe—a safe, nurturing space for kids and parents to grow together.✨ Connect with Olivia:🌐 punkphilosophers.com📧 [email protected]💖 Want more? Subscribe to my Patreon for just $5/month to access the video version of this episode, behind-the-scenes content, and bonus conversations: patreon.com/TheNeuroSpicyMomPod

In this kickoff episode, I’m sharing the story behind the mic:💖 Growing up with cPTSD, undiagnosed ADHD + autism💖 How teaching TK kids helped me rewire my own nervous system💖 The breaking point that led me to walk away from my marriage & career💖 Why this podcast exists and where we’re going this seasonThis season we’re diving into masking, sensory struggles, hyperfocus, RSD, hormones, PDA parenting, relationships, and even neurospicy spirituality—with incredible guests and a whole lot of sparkle.👉 Want more? There’s a video version of this episode + exclusive content waiting for you on Patreon. Support the pod and join the NeuroSpicy Squad here: Patreon.com/TheNeuroSpicyMomPod 💖You’re not broken. You’re building. And you’re not alone.

Season 2 Finale! 💖 We’ve officially wrapped up 20 episodes this season, and I just want to say thank you to every single listener who’s been part of this NeuroSpicy journey. From deep dives into advocacy, to raw conversations about parenting, healing, and being ND in a world that wasn’t built for us - we’ve grown so much together this season.✨ Season 3 is already on the horizon, and it’s only getting better. Make sure you’re following so you don’t miss what’s next!👉 If you want to support this podcast and get bonus episodes (like The NeuroSpicy Files), join the Patreon here: patreon.com/TheNeuroSpicyMomPod👉 Shop affirmation coloring books & NeuroSpicy merch at TheNeuroSpicyMama.Etsy.com💖 Thank you for making Season 2 possible. See you in Season 3!

AI can feel like magic for ADHD, autistic, and dyslexic brains, helping with emotional regulation, executive function, and communication...but what’s the hidden cost? 🤔 In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we dig into the neuroscience, environmental impact, and mind–body connection so you can decide if AI is your ultimate accessibility tool or a shiny distraction.💖 Support the show for just $5/month at patreon.com/TheNeuroSpicyMomPod and get bonus episodes, video versions, and our private NeuroSpicy Squad community.

Transitions are hard—especially when your neurodivergent brain is already screaming, “TOO MUCH, TOO FAST.” In this episode, we unpack why seasonal shifts and new routines can send our nervous systems into overdrive, how to support our kids (and ourselves) through change without shame or burnout, and practical ways to reparent the younger parts of us who never got the help we needed.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “bad at transitions,” this is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself and start building safety instead. 💖🎧 Want even more cozy, nervous-system-safe conversations like this? Join the NeuroSpicy Squad on Patreon for just $5/month and get exclusive bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and deeper dives into the topics we cover here. Your support keeps this podcast independent, ad-free, and community-rooted.👉 Join here: patreon.com/TheNeuroSpicyMomPod

Why does trying anything new feel like your brain is short-circuiting? Why do school transitions make our kids fall apart—and why do we spiral right along with them?In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we’re breaking down the real neuroscience behind why our bodies react to change like it’s danger. We’ll talk about intolerance of uncertainty, the freeze response, Polyvagal Theory (with a healthy dose of nuance), and how executive dysfunction, sensory overwhelm, and PDA all play a role. And of course—we’ll dive into what actually helps. For you. For your kids. For your inner child who never got the support they needed.If this episode resonates, please share it, rate it, or send it to a friend who might need this language too. And if you want to go deeper and be part of the conversations happening off-mic, come join the NeuroSpicy Squad over on Patreon 💖🎧 Support the show + access bonus content at patreon.com/theneurospicymompod✨ New episodes every Thursday — subscribe so you don’t miss out!

Do you ever feel like you have to speak up—even when it costs you everything? Like your body literally won’t let you move on when something feels unfair? That’s not you being dramatic. That’s your neurodivergent nervous system doing exactly what it was wired to do.In this episode, we’re digging into justice sensitivity: what it is, why it’s especially intense for ND folks (hi, AuDHD fam), and how to protect your peace when the world keeps breaking your heart. I’m sharing real stories, science-backed breakdowns, and simple tools to help you care deeply without collapsing under it all.💖 If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend, subscribe, and consider supporting the show on Patreon!👉 patreon.com/theneurospicymompodYour shares, ratings, and kind words help this little podcast reach more spicy hearts—and I’m so grateful to have you here.

Ever peeled the labels off water bottles like it was your job? Refused to wear jeans unless they were exactly the right softness? Couldn’t handle wet hair after a shower and didn’t know why? This week’s episode is a lighthearted but powerful dive into the subtle, often-missed signs of neurodivergence.I share personal stories, scientific insights, and a whole list of “You might be NeuroSpicy if…” moments that’ll make you feel seen, validated, and maybe a little called out (in the best way). PLUS—we wrap up with gentle, actionable ways to support your nervous system if you’re just now realizing you might be neurodivergent.Let this be your reminder: you’re not broken. You’re just spicy. 💖

Ever wondered why astrology feels more real than science class? Or why your nervous system calms down more in the forest than in a therapist’s office? Let’s talk about it. 🌿✨In this episode, we explore why so many ND folks are drawn to the “woo,” how trauma and religion intertwine, and what science actually says about healing through nature, ritual, and rest. This isn’t your typical convo about crystals and church trauma—it’s a sparkly, grounded look at what healing really means when your brain works differently.💫 Want the full video episode with bonus life updates? Subscribe to Patreon for behind-the-scenes content & early access:patreon.com/theneurospicymompod🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & everywhere you love to listen.

Today, we’re breaking down the hidden trauma so many of us experienced in school—from being shamed for needing to move, to overachieving ourselves into nervous system collapse. Whether you were labeled a “problem” or praised as “gifted,” the system was never built for your brain. And that damage? It lingers.In this episode, I share personal stories, trauma-informed insights, and the neuroscience behind fawning, freezing, and the deep harm of behavior charts. We also talk about what healing looks like—for our kids and for our inner child.🎧 Ready for the full version with video + bonus episodes?💖 Join the NeuroSpicy Squad on Patreon:👉 patreon.com/theneurospicymompodSupport the pod, connect with a like-minded community, and help me keep creating content that tells the truth with heart. 💖

Why do so many neurodivergent folks find themselves stuck in toxic, one-sided, or manipulative relationships? In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we dive deep into the neuroscience of trauma bonds, rejection sensitivity, and the nervous system survival responses that keep us frozen in places we were never meant to stay.✨ What we cover:The real reason leaving was so hard (hint: it’s not your fault)How narcissists weaponize your empathy, sensitivity, and neurodivergenceWhat trauma does to your body (chronic illness, hormonal chaos, shutdown mode)How to reclaim your nervous system and trust your body againTiny steps to begin healing and rewriting your storyIf you're healing from a toxic relationship—or still in one—you are not alone. You are not too much. And you are absolutely worthy of peace.💖 Want to support this work? Subscribe on Patreon for $5/month to access the video version + behind-the-scenes content. Every subscription helps this healing mama keep going. 💖Listen now and take your next step back to yourself.#NeurodivergentHealing #TraumaBonds #NDRelationships #TheNeuroSpicyMomPod

In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we’re talking about something that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). If every simple ask turns into a meltdown or negotiation, you are not alone.💥 I break down:– What PDA actually is (hint: it’s not defiance)– How it shows up in everyday life– Why rewards, routines, and even gentle scripts can backfire– What’s actually helped in our home — including co-regulation, rituals, and wooI’m sharing stories from parenting my own PDA kid, how we’ve navigated meltdowns and misdiagnoses, and how I’ve learned to meet him where he is — even when I’m barely hanging on.💖 You're not doing it wrong. You’re just parenting a nervous system that needs something different.👉 Want to watch the full video version of this episode?Join us on Patreon for just $5/month and get access to behind-the-scenes life updates, bonus content, and our private NeuroSpicy Community Chat:patreon.com/theneurospicymompod#PDAParenting #NeurodivergentKids #ADHDParenting #ExecutiveDysfunction #TheNeuroSpicyMomPod #TraumaInformedParenting

This week on The NeuroSpicy MomPod, I'm joined by Dr. Tara Hogan—a neurodivergent mom, holistic parenting mentor, and pediatric chiropractor—to talk about parenting through a neurodivergent lens.We explore how behaviors are often nervous system signals, why self-acceptance is essential for ND parents, and how nutrition, genetics, and adrenal fatigue impact mental health. Dr. Hogan also shares how COVID shifted her perspective and led to a deeper understanding of what her family truly needed.Whether you're deep in the trenches or just beginning your journey, this episode will leave you feeling validated, supported, and a little less alone.Listen now on your favorite platform:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Free Patreon TierFind Dr. Tara Hogan here:Instagram: @drtarahoganPodcast: Dr. Tara Hogan ShowWebsite: www.drtarahogan.com

Let’s talk money — the neurospicy way. 💸 In this episode, we’re getting real about why so many of us with ADHD, autism, or trauma backgrounds struggle with money. From unopened bills to impulse spending to feeling straight-up allergic to budgeting, we cover it all.Inside this episode:Why traditional budgeting advice doesn’t work for ND brainsHow financial trauma and executive dysfunction mess with our money habitsWhat helped me start feeling less shame and more controlReal talk about living paycheck to paycheck while trying to build a dreamThis one’s part pep talk, part nervous system deep dive, and a whole lot of “you’re not broken.” If you’ve ever felt like a financial hot mess, you are absolutely in the right place. 💖✨ Full video version available for paid Patreon subscribers!🎧 Subscribe + follow for more neurospicy realness every week.

S2E8 – ND in the Workplace: Why You Hate Every Job You’ve Ever HadEver feel like you’re “bad at working”? Spoiler: you’re not. You’re just neurodivergent in a world built for neurotypical robots. In this episode, we dive into why traditional jobs can feel like torture for ND brains — from masking and sensory overload to executive dysfunction and burnout.I share my personal story of navigating everything from restaurant jobs to corporate heels to 10 years in the school system, and why none of it ever really worked for my brain. We also get into the science behind why ND folks struggle in typical work environments — and what we actually need to thrive.✨ Whether you're stuck in survival mode or plotting your great escape, this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and maybe even hopeful.🎧 Listen now & don’t forget to subscribe for more honest convos, soft rebellion, and sparkle-soaked truth bombs.#NeurodivergentWorkLife #ADHD #Autism #WorkplaceBurnout #TheNeuroSpicyMomPod

🎙️ In this heartfelt and reflective episode, I sit down with Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston — a first-generation Filipina American, educator, and fellow neurospicy mama — to explore how our personal histories have shaped our parenting philosophies.We discuss:💖 Navigating motherhood as first-gen daughters🧠 Discovering our neurodivergence and its impact on parenting🌱 Transitioning from survival mode to intentional, connected parenting✨ Embracing imperfection and finding strength in vulnerabilityDr. Luz shares her journey with warmth and authenticity, offering insights that resonate deeply with anyone striving to break generational cycles and parent with purpose.Connect with Dr. Luz on TikTok: @raisebadasshumans🫶 Don’t forget to follow the podcast and join the NeuroSpicy Squad on Patreon for exclusive content and community support!

Welcome back to The NeuroSpicy MomPod, where the vibes are unfiltered and the gaslighting is… unfortunately everywhere. 😮‍💨 In this episode, I break down how gaslighting shows up in parenting, relationships, systems—and even inside our own spicy lil’ brains. 🧠✨We’ll talk about:What gaslighting actually is (not just a buzzword)How it impacts neurodivergent folksWhat to do when you start questioning your own realityAnd how to gently reclaim your truth and power 💖🎥 Psst—Want to WATCH this episode? The full video version is available on Patreon!💬 And if you’re craving the uncut, unfiltered version (sassy tangents and all), it’s exclusive for Patreon members. Come join the NeuroSpicy Squad to support the pod and get the full experience! 💖✨

Ever spiraled over a short text or convinced yourself someone must be mad at you based on a single emoji? 🫠 You're not alone, babe. In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we’re diving deep into Rejection-Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)—what it is, what’s actually happening in your brain and body, and how to support both yourself and your kids when it hits.✨ We’re breaking down:The neuroscience behind that emotional fire drill 🧠🔥What RSD looks like in real life (hello, overthinking + shame spirals)How it shows up in our neurodivergent kiddos 💔Tools for regulation, reframing, and inner child healing 💖Whether you’re parenting through this or reparenting your own tender self, this one’s for every beautifully sensitive soul who’s ever felt too much—spoiler alert: you’re not. You’re just misunderstood.💖 Subscribe on Patreon to join the NeuroSpicy Squad for bonus episodes (yes, we talk aliens 👽), behind-the-scenes chaos, and exclusive goodies: patreon.com/theneurospicymompod🎧 Available now wherever you get your pods. Tap play and let’s heal a little louder. 💕

Ever Googled “Why am I always exhausted?” while surrounded by unfolded laundry at 3am? Same, bestie. In this raw and real episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, we’re breaking down the truth behind neurodivergent burnout—and spoiler alert: it’s not just being tired.We’re talking full-body shutdowns, medical gaslighting, missed diagnoses, and the emotional cost of surviving in a world that was never built for our brains. From hypermobility and POTS to masking and motherhood, this episode goes deep into the hidden toll of being undiagnosed, the rage-inducing nonsense of “just rest” advice, and the systemic burnout cycle we’re forced to navigate.✨ Plus, I’m sharing what actually helps me recover, reclaim my body, and break generational cycles for my kids—because healing is messy, nonlinear, and totally revolutionary.🎁 Small biz shoutout this week: @elainewardcmt – Chico’s go-to for neurodivergent-friendly massage therapy and deep healing.💌 Want the unedited video version + behind-the-scenes extras? Join the Patreon fam at patreon.com/TheNeuroSpicyMomPod✨ Rate, review, share with a fellow spicy soul—and remember: you’re not lazy. You’re burnt out. And you deserve to heal. 💖

In this episode, we dive into a topic so many of us know too well—sensory overwhelm and the exhausting reality of masking. From everyday errands that turn into full-on meltdowns, to the quiet ways our kids (and we) try to shrink ourselves to “fit in,” this episode is a raw and validating look at how society often fails to meet neurodivergent needs.Whether it’s a simple haircut turning into a full-blown crisis, or the quiet pressure to hold it all together in public, we unpack how to support our nervous systems, honor our kids' cues, and stop normalizing the grind of masking just to get by.💖 And this week on our Small Business Shoutout...We’re giving a big sparkly hug to someone who shows up for her community in the most delicious way—pies. Yes, PIE. 🥧✨Moni Hosier isn’t just a Chico-based realtor with a heart of gold, she’s also the magic behind @monis_pies, where she bakes up handmade pies that taste like comfort, joy, and a warm hug for your taste buds.So whether you’re house hunting or pie craving (or both), give her a follow and show her some love:📍 Realtor Life: @monihosier_realtor🥧 Pie Life: @monis_pies

This week on The NeuroSpicy MomPod, I’m joined by the brilliant and compassionate Elaine — a fellow neurodivergent parent who’s here to share her real, raw, and incredibly insightful journey navigating the public education system for her child.From advocating in broken systems to finding small wins that make a huge impact, Elaine offers validation, encouragement, and practical strategies for parents walking a similar path. We talk about the messy middle — the challenges, the advocacy, the moments that made her feel empowered, and the advice she wishes someone had given her when she was just starting out.✨ Whether you’re new to IEP meetings or a seasoned pro battling burnout, this episode is a must-listen for any parent trying to support their neurospicy kid in a system that often misses the mark.🔗 You can connect with Elaine on Instagram at elainewardcmt— if you’d like to follow her journey or reach out.

What happens when your kid gets kicked out of preschool for being... themselves? In this powerful Season 2 kickoff, I’m sharing the raw, real story that every neurospicy parent needs to hear. From my experience as a former teacher to navigating the broken education system as a mom, we’re diving into what it really means to advocate for our neurodivergent kiddos.This episode is part vent, part validation, and totally packed with heart. If you've ever been told your child is “too much” or felt like no one sees their magic—you are so not alone. 💖🎧 Tune in to hear:Why our systems fail ND kids from the startHow trauma-informed teaching changed my classroomThe messy, beautiful truth of parenting in alignment✨ Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about neurodivergent kids, this episode will leave you fired up and full of hope.

🎥 FULL VIDEO: “The Magic of Problem-Solving” | Empowering Resilient, Confident Kids✨ New Episode Alert! ✨ In this video version of today’s NeuroSpicy MomPod episode, we’re diving into the ✨magic✨ of problem-solving and how to help your kiddos become confident little superheroes 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️ in the face of everyday challenges.You’ll hear: 💫 Practical tools for teaching kids how to solve problems💫 Grounding techniques to stay regulated while supporting them💫 Real-life stories (aka Amanda oversharing, as usual 💁‍♀️)💫 How living in alignment helps both parents and kids respond with more clarity, calm, and creativityWhether you’re navigating toddler tantrums, school struggles, or just trying to model emotional regulation while you’re lowkey losing your mind—this episode’s for you 💖🧠✨ Want bonus content & deeper convos? Come join the fam on Patreon:https://patreon.com/TheNeuroSpicyMomPod💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support the pod + keep this healing convo going!#NeuroSpicyMomPod #ProblemSolvingSkills #ResilientKids #ConsciousParenting #ParentingPodcast #NeurodivergentParenting #GroundingTechniques #Alignment