Beyond the Mind

In this conversation, ADHD coach David Wake breaks down what many people miss:ADHD isn’t just about focus. It’s about emotion, transitions, shame, sleep, and the invisible effort it takes to do “simple” things — especially when you’ve spent years blaming yourself.We talk about:The emotional side of ADHD (including excitement, urgency, and intensity)Why mornings and sleep are such common pain pointsHow relationships get strained when ADHD isn’t understoodWhy medication can be life-changing — and why it still isn’t the whole pictureWhat coaching provides that no checklist ever will: safety, insight, accountability, and a new way to make sense of your mindIf you’re ADHD and tired of “just do this” advice that never sticks, this episode offers a more grounded explanation — and a path forward that doesn’t require you to become a different person.To learn more about David Wake ADHD Coaching, visit https://www.davidwakeadhdcoaching.comFollow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

"What happens when you spend your whole life sensing you’re “different” — but no one gives you the language for why?In this episode, Marcus shares his journey of being late-identified as high-functioning autistic and ADHD — and the  reality of finding out his family “always knew,” but chose not to tell him.We talk about the quiet ways neurodivergence can show up when you’re not framed as “a problem,” but you still feel the difference in how you process, relate, and move through the world. And we follow the moment everything changed: a job that wasn’t the right fit, escalating anxiety and depression, and the decision to finally advocate for himself at work — which triggered a formal accommodations process that felt confusing, chaotic, and painfully slow.Marcus takes us inside what people don’t see:The emotional toll of navigating HR and invisible systemsWhy accommodations can take months (or more) even when they’re legally protectedHow to protect yourself with documentation (and why journaling your internal experience matters too)The power of having the right people in your corner: a supportive doctor, friends, family, and therapyWhat it looks like to stop suppressing who you are — and choose self-advocacy insteadThis conversation is for anyone who has ever felt trapped in a process they don’t understand, trying to function inside systems that weren’t built for their brain or their body.It’s also a reminder: advocating for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s stabilizing.Marcus closes with the kind of grounded wisdom that only comes from lived experience — and a vision for what he wants to build next: using what he learned to become the person in someone else’s corner… the one who doesn’t quit on them when they’re ready to quit on themselves.If you’re navigating diagnosis, accommodations, burnout, or the quiet grief of being misunderstood — this episode will leave you feeling less alone, and more clear on your next step.To connect with Marcus: [email protected] Beyond the Mind on Instagram

Kalista’s story didn’t start with motherhood.It started years earlier — with testing out of high school at 13, cycling through bursts of brilliance and burnout, and quietly wondering why consistency always felt just out of reach.From the outside, she looked capable.Gifted.Independent.But underneath, there was a persistent pattern: overwhelm, exhaustion, and the feeling of “I should be able to handle this.”It wasn’t until early motherhood that everything intensified.In Part 2 of her story, we fast forward to life during COVID, pregnancy, and the early months with her daughter — where the invisible weight of executive dysfunction became impossible to ignore.We talk about:Why the newborn stage can expose undiagnosed ADHDThe specific kind of overwhelm that feels relentless and bodily — not just “busy”The shame of struggling with daily tasks that “should” be manageableHow motherhood can amplify executive function gapsWhat changed after therapy, diagnosis, and ADHD-informed supportAnd the power of lowering expectations without lowering self-worthThis episode is especially for new moms who are:Drowning in the day-to-day detailsWondering why basic routines feel disproportionately hardQuietly asking, “Why does this seem easier for everyone else?”Trying to “tough it out” because that’s what motherhood is supposed to look likeSometimes postpartum struggle isn’t just hormones.Sometimes it’s years of overcompensating finally catching up.A diagnosis didn’t fix everything.But it gave Kalista language, context, and permission:Permission to ask for help.Permission to simplify.Permission to stop trying to function like a robot.Motherhood didn’t break her.It revealed what had always been there — and gave her the clarity to finally work with her brain instead of against it.If you’re in early motherhood and something feels heavier than it should… this conversation might help you see yourself differently.Not failing.Not weak.Not incapable.Just unsupported in ways that now — finally — make sense.Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

When Kalista became a mother, the patterns she’d been managing since childhood became impossible to outrun.From early academic acceleration to cycles of burnout and “starting over,” her story reflects a common but rarely discussed experience: high-capability women whose undiagnosed ADHD only becomes visible when life demands more than their coping systems can sustain.In this episode, we explore:Why achievement can hide executive dysfunctionHow grief, transitions, and stress amplify underlying patternsWhy new motherhood is often the tipping pointAnd how reframing your past changes your futureThis conversation isn’t about blame.It’s about context.For the mom quietly wondering if there’s something deeper going on — this episode offers language, compassion, and a new lens.Because sometimes the struggle isn’t that you’re not trying hard enough.It's that a new chapter requires new structure and tools.Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

In this episode, we explore something most leadership conversations miss.Not just strategy.Not just performance.But the human dynamics underneath it all.I’m joined by Brian Schwartz—coach, mediator, and leadership consultant—as we unpack what actually happens when high-performing individuals step into leadership roles… and why so many struggle in ways they didn’t expect.We talk about:The difference between executive leadership and executive functioningWhy neurodiverse thinkers often rise quickly—but face hidden frictionHow visionaries and operators misalign inside organizationsWhy AI won’t replace the need for human-centered leadershipAnd what it really means to build teams that feel valued, heard, and effectiveThis is a conversation about what’s actually driving performance right now—and what leaders need to understand if they want to move forward without losing their teams.Because the truth is:You don’t lose people because of the work.You lose them because they stop feeling seen.If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but something isn’t clicking…If you’ve struggled to lead others—or even yourself—through complexity and change…Or if you’re trying to build something meaningful without losing the human side of it…This episode is for you.To connect with Brian Schwartz directly:Email: [email protected]: brianschwartz.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandanielschwartz/Instagram: Instagram.com/brian_schwartz_coaching Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

In this episode, I sit down with Nima Yani, founder of myMentalPal, to explore the connection between mental health, discipline, and performance—and how learning to work with your mind can completely shift how you move through life.Nima shares his journey from growing up in Iran to moving to the U.S. to pursue basketball, and how that experience led him to discover something many of us overlook: you can train your body all day, but if your mind isn’t supported, performance will eventually break down.We talk about: The relationship between mental health and performance Why discipline isn’t just about willpower  How mindfulness and meditation can be used as practical tools—not just concepts  The gap between learning and actually applying what you learn And how small, consistent shifts can change your trajectory over time We also dive into the creation of myMental Pal—a mental training app that blends personal development, habit building, and mindfulness by turning books into guided meditation experiences.This conversation goes beyond surface-level self-improvement. It’s about understanding how your brain works, how your nervous system responds to stress and change, and how to build habits that actually support you—especially if you’ve struggled with consistency, focus, or follow-through.We also explore: Why human-led mental health tools still matter in the age of AI  The importance of trauma-informed design And how to create a more sustainable relationship with growth If you’re interested in self-development, ADHD, habit formation, mindfulness, mental clarity, or performance optimization, this episode will give you a different way to think about it.Connect with Nima Yani / My Mental Pal Download the app and explore more through: https://mymentalpal.com/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Mind 00:29 Meet Nima Yani: Founder of My Mental Pal 02:01 From Iran to the U.S.: Pursuing Basketball Dreams 03:17 Discovering Meditation Through Performance 05:10 Small Tweaks, Big Results: Lessons from Sports 07:06 Discipline and Decision-Making 11:21 Adapting to a New Country and Culture 13:04 Building Mental Barriers and Focus 14:59 Designing for the User: Building My Mental Pal 18:08 Mental Health, Mindfulness, and Product Design 22:02 Why Human-Led Teaching Matters in the Age of AI 24:04 Micro-Learning Through Meditation 26:07 Building Daily Habits and Consistency 32:26 Trauma, Boundaries, and Mental Health 37:08 Book-Based Meditation and Learning 40:11 Balancing Mind and Body 43:00 Building a Team and Scaling the Vision 45:39 How to Get Started with My Mental Pal 46:48 Closing ThoughtsFollow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

In this episode, Katie Berryhill, a professor of astronomy, shares her journey of living with undiagnosed ADHD from childhood through adulthood, finally receiving her diagnosis while pursuing her doctorate in Education. She discusses the challenges she faced in high school and college, the support she received, and how these experiences have shaped her career and teaching methods. Katie's story emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs beyond academics and the critical role of teachers and support systems in helping students reach their potential. This episode is a must-watch for educators, parents, and anyone interested in ADHD and personalized learning approaches.Connect with Katie Berryhill via LinkedInChapters:00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Mind00:40 Meet Katie Berryhill: An Astronomy Professor's Journey01:41 Early Academic Challenges and Achievements04:04 Struggles with ADHD and Procrastination12:01 High School Experiences and Educational Gaps27:54 Separation Anxiety and College Transition41:13 Struggles with Calculus and a Difficult Professor45:45 Losing and Regaining a Scholarship49:39 Support from Professors and Changing Majors55:07 Discovering ADHD and Its Impact01:02:38 Innovative Teaching Methods and Student Support01:12:50 Challenges with Student Engagement01:18:45 Concluding Thoughts and AppreciationFollow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

Join us as we dive deep into an enlightening conversation with Annie, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and trauma breath coach. In this episode, we explore the intersection of wellness, mental health, and trauma therapy. Annie shares her expertise on how behavior analysis can help understand and modify behaviors to improve daily life. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, the impact of trauma on the nervous system, and how different therapeutic tools can assist individuals in becoming more self-sufficient and achieving their life goals. Whether you're curious about behavior patterns, dealing with anxiety, or interested in trauma-informed approaches, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.Annie Chen can be reached at behaviorroots.com and [email protected] Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:39 Understanding Behavior Analysis03:04 Data Collection Methods in Behavior Analysis04:40 Challenges and Applications of ABA08:27 Personal Journey and Trauma-Informed Approach11:56 Navigating Anxiety and Holistic Health17:47 Cultural Influences and Personal Upbringing26:33 Trauma-Informed Practices and Nervous System Readiness36:27 Understanding Client Readiness and Goal Setting37:32 Client Reactions and Openness to Change39:31 Recognizing Trauma Symptoms in Daily Life42:34 Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn Responses49:31 Behavior Analysis in Relationships55:01 Personal Growth and Relationship Dynamics01:03:54 The Role of Breath Work in Healing01:05:32 Overview of Services and WorkshopsFollow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

Welcome to the Beyond the Mind Podcast, where we explore the stories, science, and systems that shape how we heal and grow.In this episode, host SC welcomes Dylan from UC Berkeley’s Disabled Students Program (DSP). Since 2019, Dylan has been converting inaccessible academic materials into accessible formats using tools like OCR, Speechify, and Genio—ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to learning.SC and Dylan discuss the barriers students face in traditional academic environments, the power of accessibility-centered design, and Dylan’s own path into user experience and inclusive design. He offers insight into what truly makes a tool or system accessible, and why design must consider diverse cognitive and sensory needs.This conversation highlights the importance of accessibility as a foundation for wellbeing and educational equity.Connect with Dylan Woods on LinkedIn or via email: [email protected] Subscribe to Beyond the Mind for more conversations on mental health, accessibility, neurodiversity, and the ecosystems that help us thrive beyond the mindChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Disabled Students Program00:11 Assistive Technologies and Software01:32 Physical and Invisible Disabilities02:20 Personal Journey and Career Path03:10 User Experience Design and Accessibility04:31 Neurodiversity Summit Insights05:50 Campus Navigation Challenges08:17 Support for Students with Disabilities16:36 Note-Taking Tools and Technologies25:18 AI in Education and Note-Taking29:54 The Struggles of Manual Note-Taking30:45 Discovering Otter AI: A Game Changer30:53 The Importance of Note-Taking in Work Contexts32:18 The Evolution of Note-Taking Tools36:29 User Experience and Accessibility in Design48:06 Designing for Neurodiversity54:39 The Role of Graphic Design in UX58:26 Concluding Thoughts and Future ProjectsFollow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

Welcome to Beyond the Mind Podcast, where we explore the stories, science, and systems that shape how we heal and grow.In this episode, host SC welcomes Dr. Sam Crandall , an adult-diagnosed neurodivergent woman she met at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit. Together, they dive deep into Sam’s personal journey of late diagnosis, the power of community for neurodivergent individuals, and the internalized challenges that arise in a neurotypical world.Sam shares her experience with autistic burnout, communication differences, and the transformative role of community-based research in creating safer, more inclusive systems of support.This touching discussion highlights both the shared struggles and the quiet triumphs within neurodivergent communities underscoring the need for self-validation, connection, and healing through understanding.Subscribe to Beyond the Mind for more conversations on mental health, neurodiversity, and the ecosystems that help us thrive beyond the mind.To connect with Dr. Sam Crandall, reach out to: [email protected]:00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Mind Podcast00:38 Sam's Journey to Neurodivergence02:11 Late Diagnosis and Personal Growth02:42 Professional Life and Neurodivergence05:32 Parenting and Neurodivergence12:14 Challenges and Misunderstandings22:50 Navigating Disclosure and Identity27:26 Coping Mechanisms and Self-Acceptance35:16 Understanding Neurodiverse Traits36:33 Challenges of Neurodivergent Communication37:09 Navigating Interruptions and Cultural Differences40:07 The Importance of Community and Support44:30 Directness and Honest Communication54:01 Research on Neurodivergent Women in Higher Education01:02:50 The Power of Community in Healing01:10:26 Concluding Thoughts and Future DirectionsFollow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

Late-diagnosed ADHD can feel like a lifetime of burnout, self-doubt, and trying to “fix” yourself with the next perfect solution. In this episode, Beyond the Mind sits down with Steve Hodgson—ADHD coach and founder of DOSE (Daily Organization, Structure & Execution)—to talk about what actually changes the game: self-compassion, emotional maturity, and tools that help you think intentionally in the moment. Steve shares how his diagnosis in his late 40s reshaped his life, why medication wasn’t the magic answer for him, and how coaching frameworks like “Spark” and “Wave” help shift thoughts, regulate emotions, and build real self-trust. Plus: why DOSE is designed as an ADHD command center—simple, clean, and usable even on your most overwhelmed days.Steev has generously offered Beyond the Mind listeners a 60 day free trial of DOSE. Simply download the DOSE app, and click login then choose subscription. Then enter in promo code: BEYOND.Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

Welcome to Beyond the Mind Podcast, where we explore the intersections of science, healing, and human connection.In this episode, host SC sits down with Alison Mahal, a board-certified music therapist, to explore how music therapy supports neurodiverse individuals in expressing, processing, and healing through sound.From her experiences at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit to her deeply personal journey as both therapist and advocate, Alison shares how music can unlock new pathways for emotional regulation, self-understanding, and connection.Together, they explore the transformative power of rhythm, melody, and resonance in therapy revealing how customized, compassionate approaches help clients navigate complex emotions and find balance beyond words.Whether you’re curious about music therapy, exploring new therapeutic modalities, or seeking inspiration for personal growth, this episode offers powerful insights into using music as a tool for healing, alignment, and well-being.Subscribe to Beyond the Mind for more conversations bridging neuroscience, creativity, and emotional healing because transformation happens when we go beyond the mind.About this EpisodeFollow Alison Mahal: Biographies - Bay Area Music TherapyAbout: American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)Find a music therapist: Certification Board for Music TherapistsChapters/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Meeting at the Summit00:43 Alison's Journey to Music Therapy01:41 Experiences at the Neurodiversity Summit02:48 Challenges and Adjustments in Conferences05:42 Music Therapy Techniques and Emotional Connection08:10 Understanding Restraint Collapse and Personal Experiences13:36 Discovering ADHD and Its Impact15:49 Hyperfocus and the Role of Stimulants16:50 Music as a Language and Improvisation19:48 Music Therapy in Practice24:34 Processing Emotions Through Music34:18 History and Applications of Music Therapy42:06 Understanding Non-Physical Pain43:11 Challenges in Starting Music Therapy43:46 Pathological Demand Avoidance in Therapy46:31 The Importance of Therapeutic Relationships49:33 The Healing Crisis in Therapy55:56 AI in Therapy: Opportunities and Concerns57:28 The Role of Music in Therapy01:12:48 Future of Neurodivergent Therapy01:20:54 Resources and Final ThoughtsFollow Beyond the Mind on Instagram