AuDHD Flourishing

Episoade

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  151 The Skill No One Knew You Needed 25.07.2026 40min

  The skill no one knew you needed: how to emotionally regulate while doing a task. It's simple yet difficult. And undiagnosed neurodivergent parents were even less likely to be able to help on some fronts, if they never learned how either.This is a skill you can practice (which the end of the episode covers), and there are many AuDHD factors complicating it for us. Even with different emotional processing or experience, it's still possible to take care of yourself during an activity.But it requires slowing down and being willing to stop if your brain or body are too triggered.Over time, this builds to being able to do more, more easily, with less stress. It is very, very worth it p.s. the "facilitator" example was MY experience in groups, not how I want people to think about me leading groups ;)Mentioned in episode:2 short vids explaining the Wall of Awful & strategies for going through & over it by Jessica McCabe of How to ADHD150 The Wall of Awful with Brendan MahanAuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  150 The Wall of Awful with Brendan Mahan 18.07.2026 58min

  Brendan Mahan's concept of The Wall of Awful has taken on a life of its own. While originally geared toward ADHD, it's also extremely applicable to other neurodivergent folks including autism, AuDHD, OCD, and PDA.In short, there are a bunch of tough emotions built up over time between you and tasks that are difficult for you (whether or not anyone else believes they are easy). While you may instinctively figure out how to sidestep or smash through the issues, it's not really addressing the deeper problem that still affects you the next time.Brendan's book, The Wall of Awful, comes out Sep 1 2026, and you can learn an overview of the concepts at the YouTube videos listed under #3 belowConnect with Brendan / Mentioned in episode:The Wall of Awful book & resources, and if you're buying on Amazon here's my affiliate linkFriendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults by Caroline Maguire, book, affiliate link2 short vids explaining the Wall of Awful & strategies for going through & over it by Jessica McCabe of How to ADHDAuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  149 The Consistency That Matters 11.07.2026 18min

  "Consistency" can feel like a dirty word in neurodivergent land... Consistency is a tool, not a final answer. It can be a better fit than habits for our brains (see past 3 episodes) It can be part of building systems that work for us (including reminders, since forgetting is a big reason for inconsistency) Kindness and self-compassion are where consistency REALLY matters, because they build capacity over time AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  148 Breaking Bad Habits 04.07.2026 25min

  Builds on last two episodes: Self-Awareness vs. Solutions and Habits are Hard (but also very cool)Breaking "bad" habits is different (and more difficult) than building new habits. I also recommend not being too aggressive about it if those coping mechanisms are load bearing psychologically ;)AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  147 Habits are Hard (but also very cool) 27.06.2026 23min

  There's some evidence that ADHD brains in particular may have trouble forming habits as they're traditionally thought of. But that doesn't mean they have no value for us!This episode is about how to lean into the part of habit formation that may work for us (spoiler alert, you may need WEIRD rewards)Builds on last week's episode, Self-Awareness vs. Solutionsp.s. hopefully the birdsong in the background isn't too annoying... I recorded with the windows open and didn't realize it would pick up! p.p.s. by the time you listen to this, we'll be at 1,000,000 downloads 🥳AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  146 Self-Awareness vs. Solutions 20.06.2026 19min

  You may have been told that you're "so self-aware," yet struggle to actually implement solutions. In the moment, you might be lacking the support, the executive function, the initiation energy, etc.Introspection and self-awareness are great, but they're not the end of the process.AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  145 Mediocrity is a Needed Step 13.06.2026 10min

  In the context of learning a musical instrument, it's obvious that there's a period of not being good at it. Whether you call it mediocrity or a skill gap, there's often a gap between where you are and where you want to be. There are many cases in which we can only improve by doing, trying, and yes, failing. It's uncomfortable and that's normal. You don't have to like it, but it is a step in learning or improving.I HATE IT. And I also know it's going to happen.AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  144 Don't Do All the Things 06.06.2026 20min

  Trying to do all of the things, all of the time is a recipe for being stuck.Instead, do some of the things, some of the time.The episode also talks about a couple of imagination techniques that may help with some types of PDA or other demand avoidance.AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  143 Creative Blocks & Insecurities 30.05.2026 37min

  Last week we talked about creative entrepreneurship.This episode is about my recent & current creative blocks and insecurities that cover some of the difficulties of being a professional creative.And because people may ask: here's my pre-transition voice, and more-or-less current voiceRelated episodes: 100 Creative Time Limitations24 Redefining Creative Success with Chris HaleAuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  142 Neurodivergent Creative Entrepreneur with Jon Hart 23.05.2026 1h 9min

  Jon Hart is building an online space for neurodivergent musicians. And our conversation focused on the entrepreneurship side of things, because occasionally our disability disables us!Being a creative entrepreneur has its own challenges. One of which is having too many ideas... Connect with Jon: neurodivergentmusicians.com & the research questionnairejonhartmusic.comAuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  141 Predictive Processing - another autism explanation 16.05.2026 23min

  Predictive Processing (or coding) differences are a relatively new proposed idea about an underlying mechanism of autism. Preliminary studies do show differences, but not necessarily "deficits," which I think is promising.While it may not explain everything, it's a compelling theory that resonates in my anecdotal experience.More reading/listening on predictive processing:The predictive coding theory of autism, explained (article w audio option)Predictive processing as a mechanistic account of Autism (video talk sent to me & I haven't listened yet)Understanding Autism through Predictive Processing (blog post)How the "Predictive Processing Framework" is Impacting Your Relationship (audio talk by Sarah Bergenfield)2025 paper on predictive processing, available for free as of nowAuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  140 What's Your Energy Level? 10.05.2026 39min

  I just had a shocking experience regarding my own energy levels while on vacation. Truly, I never would have predicted it even if you laid out all of the details going in.This episode is about figuring out what drains and rejuvenates your energy, so you can start to choose where that (technically limited) bucket of energy goes.AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  You Are Not a Burden - Repost 02.05.2026 28min

  The story of a meltdown. For me these days, that includes some intrusive thoughts around being a burden.You are not a burden. And even if we are sometimes, that's okay. I want to be a part of communities that can carry each other sometimes.repost of ep 23Like Your Brain community spaceTranscript DocEmail Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  When the Body Simply Cannot - Repost 25.04.2026 30min

  This week I pushed my body way too far, even though I was having trouble parsing that in the moment. The story is also a great analogy for how other ND internal needs feel (including PDA).Even with all the info, self-kindness, and support, I still struggle to find that exact line of capacity. It's okay that it's hard to figure out!This is the perfect and slightly ironic follow-up from last week's episode about giving up on NT/ableist expectations ;) (ep 80)Repost of ep. 81Mentioned in episode: wish listExperimenting Your Way to an Extraordinary LifeComparative Grammar of Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and French (affiliate link)Mackareth's Neurocomplexity model (& affiliate link if you want to sign up)Resources:Transcript DocEmail NewsletterLike Your Brain community space Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  139 Alexithymia - Feeling While AuDHD 18.04.2026 35min

  Alexithymia is common in AuDHDers, and involves having trouble identifying and communicating emotions. There are a lot of reasons this can be the case, including: interoception differenceslack of useful training in emotional skills & languagedifferent emotional experiences than expected in the situationChildhood Emotional Neglect (which can cause alexithymia) Alexithymia is NOT a disorder! It's a difference. And... you may have reasons to question whether there are aspects of it you want to address.Additional reading: When you can read everyone but yourself: on autistic and ADHD emotional awareness by Morgana ClementineWhat Is Alexithymia? Defined, Explained, and Linked to Neurodivergence from Neurodivergent InsightsAlexithymia on Stimpunks (various quotations gathered)AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  138 Your Money Big Picture 11.04.2026 29min

  I would guess that most AuDHDers struggle with money in one way or another. Saving or planning for the future can be particularly difficult to emotionally attach to in the same way we connect with wanting something in the present moment. I use several tools to stay emotionally connected to my money big picture, and spoiler alert none of them is a budget: tracking all income closely a multi-tab finances overview spreadsheet that includes monthly income over time + a debt tab with all monthly paymentscalculating Net Worth* monthly (using a spreadsheet I found online) While a strict budget has never worked for me, staying attached to my overall money picture has been incredibly helpful. The latter part of the episode shares two tools for anxiety around money: @12:14 - Reversing the spin (works for any spinning sensation, and any type of anxiety) @20:23 - "Throwing" the task to the horizon, then bringing it back in safe ways. Repeat until feeling more neutralp.s. doing #2 above while recording actually helped me get started on my taxes, which I submitted six days early (possibly a personal record??) *yes this is a terrible termAuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  137 Spending and Money Unfairness 04.04.2026 25min

  This & next week are two episodes on money & finances as a follow up to last week's interview (more from Hyperfocus here).Justice sensitivity can highlight the unfairness we often feel between our financial situations and those of people who haven't struggled to find and keep work. For example, AuDHDers often experience conflict with bosses who think we ask too many questions or have a bad "vibe." For me, acknowledging and soothing that unfairness with things beyond just spending has been important. The episode also touches on comparison with others, consumerism, and why I just buy things directly from China now (via AliExpress, and that link gives me a whopping $1 coupon if you end up making a purchase ;) AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  136 Financial Therapy with Christine Hargrove 28.03.2026 33min

  Thanks again to Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson for sharing this interview with financial therapist Christine Hargrove. She shares ADHD-focused advice that is useful for AuDHD folks as well! And the next two weeks will touch on other financial topics from this foundation.I especially love the line, "The best budget is one you can follow on your worst day" Learn more about Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson here! AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Paper Planners & Tasks Feeling Real 27.03.2026 6min

  I just started using a paper planner again for the first time in many years, and the coolest thing is noticing that calendared blocks of time feel more "real" to my brain when I've written them by hand. That tangibility in turn seems to be making it easier to stick with things. Caveat that it can always be the initial dopamine surge of any new system! That said, if it's working, I say try new tools anyway, even if they only work for a few months ;)AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  135 Slow Processes are Frustrating 21.03.2026 23min

  Sometimes... a process is happening, internally. It can be integration, change, growth, positive disintegration... and sometimes it's unclear. Either way, the uncertainty can be disconcerting and frustrating!AuDHD Flourishing resources:Transcript Doc (often a few weeks behind, but we do catch up!)Mattia's NewsletterLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.