Afleveringen
-
If you were diagnosed neurodivergent later in life, you might look back and realize you weren't coping as well as everyone thought. You weren't coping at all. You were performing.
In this episode we talk about the moment of recognition, the one where the whole story of your life gets a new narrator. The relief. The grief. The disorienting question of who you actually are underneath decades of masking. And why the answer takes longer to find than anyone tells you.
If you've ever thought "that's me, that has always been me" and didn't know what to do with that feeling, this one is for you.
In this episode:
-The moment everything in your life gets recontextualized
-Why relief and grief arrive together after a late diagnosis
-What it means to realize how much of your life has been performance
-The question "who am I without the mask?" and how to start answering it
-Why self-compassion matters more than self-criticism at this stage
FREE RESOURCE
If you're recently diagnosed and struggling to find the words to explain what you're going through to the people you love, I made something for exactly that moment.
Four Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain
A free guide that does the explaining for you.
https://www.insidethepicklejar.com
WATCH ON YOUTUBEPrefer to watch? Find the full video here: https://youtu.be/xjqnCWYhQ9g
Episode 1: What Neurodivergent Masking Really Looks Like
https://youtu.be/1kATEAoYFxY
Episode 2: The Hidden Cost of Masking as a Neurodivergent Adult
https://youtu.be/q8YsgAKOY00
CONNECT WITH TONYA
Website: insidethepicklejar.com
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
YouTube: youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
IF THIS EPISODE RESONATED
Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who is navigating a late diagnosis or just beginning to understand their own masking. Reviews help other neurodivergent adults find the jar.
Start at Episode 1 if you're new here. Each episode builds on the last.
Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar.Support the show
-
What if the version of you that everyone praises for coping is actually the version that's burning you out?
In this episode we go deeper into neurodivergent masking, moving past what it is and into what it actually costs. The exhaustion that doesn't make sense given what you did today. The performance of "fine" when you're anything but. The slow drift away from knowing who you actually are underneath all of it.
If you've ever come home from a completely ordinary day and had absolutely nothing left, this one is for you.
In this episode:
Why "fine" is a performance word and what it's actually hidingWhat the cost of masking really looks like day to dayThe masking tax, and why it doesn't reset overnightThe disconnection that happens when you mask for long enoughWhy none of this is your fault
FREE RESOURCEIf you're struggling to find the words to explain your experience to the people you love, I made something for you.
Four Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain A free guide that does the explaining for you.
https://www.insidethepicklejar.com
WATCH ON YOUTUBEPrefer to watch? Find the full video here: [INSERT YOUTUBE LINK]
CONNECT WITH TONYAWebsite: insidethepicklejar.com
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
YouTube: youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
IF THIS EPISODE RESONATEDPlease subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Reviews help other neurodivergent adults find the jar.
PREVIOUS EPISODEEpisode 1: What Neurodivergent Masking Really Looks Like https://youtu.be/1kATEAoYFxY
Start here if you haven't listened yet. It lays the foundation for everything we cover in this episode.
Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar.
Support the show
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
FREE: The Four Things I Want My Friends to Know
~~~~ https://www.insidethepicklejar.com
### Understanding Neurodivergent Masking: A Survival Strategy
In today's world, many neurodivergent individuals often find themselves engaging in a behavior known as masking. This is the practice of hiding one's true self to fit into a neurotypical society, and it can leave one feeling exhausted and disconnected. By exploring the concept of masking, we can gain insight into the struggles faced by those who are neurodivergent.
### What is Masking?
Masking, or camouflaging, is the process of suppressing natural neurodivergent behaviors to appear more neurotypical. It's not merely a choice but a survival strategy developed during childhood. Many children notice that their natural behaviors do not align with those of their peers. They learn to adapt, rehearsing conversations and suppressing certain behaviors to avoid negative feedback. This leads to a mask that feels so integrated into their identity that it becomes difficult to distinguish between their true self and the persona they've created.
### The Origins of Masking
For most neurodivergent individuals, masking begins in childhood. In a classroom setting, neurodivergent children often struggle to understand unspoken rules of social interaction. They may be labeled as "too loud" or "too sensitive" for expressing themselves naturally. This feedback, whether explicit or implicit, prompts them to adapt by mirroring the behavior of their peers. Over time, this adaptation becomes automatic, leading to a deeply ingrained habit that can feel like the only way to interact with the world.
### The Cost of Masking
Masking is more than just a habit; it can be exhausting. Neurodivergent adults often find themselves drained after a typical day. While others may see a normal workday, these individuals have been managing complex social interactions, processing sensory input, and performing a version of themselves that feels safe to show. This "masking tax" accumulates over time, resulting in profound fatigue and disconnection from their authentic selves.
### Recognizing and Understanding Masking
The moment of recognition often comes with a diagnosis or hearing someone describe masking for the first time. This recognition can evoke relief, as individuals finally have language for their experiences. However, it can also bring grief for the years spent performing a version of themselves that was not true. Understanding that masking is not a flaw but a necessary adaptation can be liberating.
### Finding Authenticity
Once individuals recognize their masking behaviors, they can start to make choices about when and where to mask. It’s not about removing the mask entirely but rather finding safe spaces where they can be themselves. This journey towards authenticity can lead to deeper connections and a greater sense of belonging in their personal and professional lives.
### Conclusion
Neurodivergent masking is a complex survival strategy that many individuals have developed to navigate a world that often feels unwelcoming. By understanding this phenomenon, we can foster greater empathy and support for neurodivergent individuals, encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves. If you resonate with this experience, know that you're not alone, and there are communities and resources available to support your journey toward authenticity.
Find me:
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.insidethepicklejar.com | www.risingtidecoaching.orgSupport the show
-
In Part 1, Raymond Lavine made the case for why ND families need a plan. In Part 2, he shows you how to build one even if you don't know where to start, even if resources are tight, and even if the whole idea feels overwhelming. Raymond is the Principal at Lavine LTC Benefits, co-author of the Amazon bestselling book Empathy and Understanding in Business, and a man who has spent his career helping families have the conversations most people avoid. In this second half of their conversation, Tonya pushes Raymond to get practical...and he delivers. In this episode:
What planning looks like for families who are already financially stretched thin.Why 'you deal with what you have' and how to start from wherever you are What keeps Raymond up at night: all the families who should have a plan but don't The urgency question: why waiting costs more than starting Why planning feels like reorganizing a drawer and why it's never as bad as you think The five baby steps to getting started: family conversation, talking to your ND child, reaching out to your network, finding your advisors, and building incrementally Why asking your neurodivergent child what THEY want is the most important step most families skip The three things everyone needs: to not feel invisible, to have attention, and to never feel vulnerable The paradox of choice and why too many options leads to no action The Power of Habit and why incremental change is the only change that sticks Raymond's contact information and the tools available on his websiteIf Part 1 was the why, Part 2 is the how. This is where the conversation becomes something you can actually act on. 🫙
📞 Connect with Raymond:
Website: lavineltcins.com
Phone: (253) 275-6091
Social: Search Raymond Lavine📖 Books mentioned:
Empathy and Understanding in Business by Raymond Lavine
The Power of Habit by Charles DuhiggInside the Pickle Jar is a podcast and community for neurodivergent adults and everyone who loves and supports them.
🌐 insidethepicklejar.com
📺 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoachlong-term care planning, neurodivergent families, autism parents, caregiving plan, special needs planning, five baby steps, disability planning, Raymond Lavine, estate planning, ND community, Inside the Pickle Jar, caregiver burnout, financial planning
Support the show
-
What happens to the people we love when we can't be there for them anymore? For parents of children with Level 2 autism, PDD-NOS, and similar diagnoses, that question lives somewhere close to the surface. You're caregiving today, right now, doing something that requires everything you have. And somewhere in the back of your mind is the harder question: what is the plan for when I can't do this anymore?
In Part 1 of this conversation, Tonya sits down with Raymond Lavine, Principal at Lavine LTC Benefits and co-author of the Amazon bestselling book Empathy and Understanding in Business. Raymond has helped thousands of families prepare for long-term care, and his path to this work began with his own remarkable story. Raymond grew up the son of immigrants who fled persecution, enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam, and watched his mother, an estate planning attorney, rely on her own long-term care plan for eighteen years.
In Part 1, he shares that story and explains why so many families are one crisis away from a situation they never planned for. In this episode:
- Raymond's childhood in the Hollywood Hills as the son of immigrant lawyers - How military service in Vietnam expanded his worldview and deepened his empathy
- His family's personal connection to the autism community through United by Music North America
- The US vs. Europe gap in neurodiversity infrastructure and support
- Why 'hope is not a plan' and what happens to ND families when no plan exists
- The difference between independence and genuine self-sufficiency
- Estate planning essentials: wills, trusts, guardianships, and powers of attorney
- Why planning is not just for the wealthy and what caregiving actually costs
- His mother's words that stopped him cold: 'Nobody has that much money to pay for their care and for their lifestyle'
Part 2 coming soon where Raymond breaks down the five baby steps to getting started, what to do when resources are stretched thin, and how to find the right people to guide you.
📞 Connect with Raymond:
Website: lavineltcins.com
Phone: (253) 275-6091
Social: Search Raymond Lavine📖 Mentioned in this episode:
Empathy and Understanding in Business by Raymond Lavine
United by Music North AmericaInside the Pickle Jar is a podcast and community for neurodivergent adults and everyone who loves and supports them.
🌐 insidethepicklejar.com 📺
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoachlong-term care planning, neurodivergent families, autism parents, Level 2 autism, caregiving, estate planning, PDD-NOS, disability planning, Raymond Lavine, United by Music, ND community, Inside the Pickle Jar, future planning, special needs planning
Support the show
-
Part 2 of my conversation with Linda Carmella Sibio picks up right where we left off and goes somewhere I didn't expect.
In this half, Linda talks about what happened after she left Los Angeles: a seven-year nervous breakdown in a desert house with no heat, no water, and one enormous room she turned into a studio. She talks about the drawings that came out of that period. Hundreds of miniature hallucinated images filling every piece and how those drawings became the foundation of the original Cracked Eggs workshop. She describes starting the program with a single student, doing their first show at a local cafe, and slowly building a community from nothing.
We also talk about what resistance actually looks like in the classroom and why movement and voice are harder to teach than painting. About the $1.5 million county grant, the COVID year they all worked without pay, and what got cut from the curriculum as a result. About the mental health coloring book See, See, See, More! Listen with Your Eyes, which grew out of a class idea and became a grant-funded community project. About the neuroscience study she wants to do on Cracked Eggs to understand whether it's her teaching or something inherent in the exercises themselves that is helping people.
And at the end, I asked Linda the question I'd been saving: you've been doing this for fifty years. What did the eighteen-year-old not yet know about what her mind was capable of?
Her answer is quiet and real and worth the wait. She also tells us she just finished an oil painting, her first in years, after her sister accidentally lost her entire New York body of work. And right before we close, she remembers one more thing: there's a documentary film coming.
Her closing words to the pickle friends: never give up.
Note: This episode is unedited — an intentional choice. Linda's tangents, pauses, and mid-sentence redirects are the methodology. What you're hearing is the real Linda Sibio.
Find me:
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.insidethepicklejar.com | www.risingtidecoaching.orgFind Linda:
https://www.bezerkpro.orgneurodivergent podcast, schizophrenia and creativity, mental health and art, Linda Sibio, Bezerk Productions, Cracked Eggs, cracked eggs documentary, mental health coloring book, Joshua Tree artist, neurodivergent community, Inside the Pickle Jar, Tonya Weaver, creative methodology, never give up, mental health recovery through art
Support the show
-
What if the thinking patterns your diagnosis named... the fragmentation, the loops, the leaps your mind makes... were actually the most generative creative tools you have? Not a metaphor. Not a coping strategy. A methodology.
This week on Inside the Pickle Jar, I sit down with Linda Carmella Sibio...an interdisciplinary artist, performer, educator, and founder of Bezerk Productions for a conversation that I think a lot of pickle friends have been waiting for without knowing it.
Linda was diagnosed with schizophrenia at eighteen while earning her BFA in painting at Ohio University. She grew up in West Virginia, spent time in a children's home where the staff gave her a basement studio to paint in, turned down a law school scholarship to follow art, and landed in Los Angeles with twenty dollars in her pocket and nowhere to stay. What followed was fifty years of building — a performance practice, a pedagogy, a nonprofit, and a methodology that takes so-called psychotic thinking and treats it not as a pathology to be managed, but as a lens through which to make art, build community, and reclaim a life.
In Part 1, we cover Linda's childhood in West Virginia and Florida, the moment of her diagnosis and what it meant knowing her mother had the same condition, her journey to Los Angeles, studying with acting coach Eric Morris and interdisciplinary performance artist Rachel Rosenthal, her early work teaching on Skid Row through the Los Angeles Poverty Department and her own collective Operation Hammer, and the moment a woman named Molly Lowry asked her to come out publicly as schizophrenic — and why Linda said yes.
A note: this episode is unedited. You'll hear the sounds of the room, the pauses, the conversation finding its shape. That was an intentional choice. Linda's way of moving through a story — the fragments, the loops, the interrupters — is itself a demonstration of the methodology she's spent fifty years developing. I didn't want to clean it up. What you're hearing is the real and authentic Linda Sibio.
Part 2 is coming. This one will stay with you.
Find me:
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.insidethepicklejar.com | www.risingtidecoaching.orgFind Linda:
https://www.bezerkpro.orgneurodivergent podcast, schizophrenia and creativity, mental health and art, psychotic thinking, Linda Sibio, Bezerk Productions, Cracked Eggs, interdisciplinary art, neurodivergent community, Inside the Pickle Jar, Tonya Weaver, creative methodology, mental health stigma, Los Angeles Poverty Department, Rachel Rosenthal
Support the show
-
Late at night, when the day is done and my brain finally gets quiet — I put on crinkle paper videos. Not music. Not a show. Not a podcast. Crinkle paper. For years I thought this was a little weird. A little embarrassing. The kind of thing you don't bring up in professional settings. And then I learned what was actually happening in my brain when I watched those videos and it changed everything about how I understood my own nervous system. In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar, Tonya breaks down the neuroscience of ASMR and why neurodivergent brains are disproportionately drawn to it. This isn't just an explainer...it's a full reframe of something a lot of ND people do quietly and a little guiltily, and what that behavior is actually telling you about your brain. Topics covered:
What ASMR actually is and how the physical sensation works The default mode network and why ASMR creates the neurological sweet spot between stimulation and calm Dopamine, oxytocin, and why ASMR feels intimate even with a stranger on screenThe parasympathetic nervous system and what's measurably happening in your body during ASMR Interoception and why ASMR is especially regulating for ND brains The masking tax...why ASMR is the perfect recovery tool after a day of performing neurotypicality Misophonia...the flip side of sensory sensitivity and why some ND people find ASMR unbearable The shame we put on neurodivergent self-soothing and why a weighted blanket and crinkle paper video beats a glass of wine every time How to use ASMR intentionally as a nervous system regulation tool Tonya's personal ASMR journey including why it's become her off-ramp from wineASMR creator mentioned in this episode:
🎧 Poisebloom on YouTube...crinkle paper ASMR and Tonya's personal favorite: https://www.youtube.com/@poisebloom
This episode is for everyone who has ever watched a crinkle paper video at 11pm and wondered what was happening to them. The answer is: something smart. Something your nervous system knew before your brain had the language for it. No shame. Just science. And some crinkle paper. 🫙
Inside the Pickle Jar is a podcast and community for neurodivergent adults built for the brains that never quite fit anywhere else. New episodes every week.
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.insidethepicklejar.com | www.risingtidecoaching.orgSupport the show
-
In part 2 of this insightful interview, I continue my conversation with Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer, founder of Beyond the Individual, shares her journey into psychology, her clinical expertise in neurodivergence, and practical strategies for supporting children and families. Discover how systemic change, personalized interventions, and advocacy can transform the lives of neurodivergent children.
Dr Katrina Ostmeyer, is a licensed psychologist, behavior analyst, and founder of Beyond the Individual. Her work focuses on autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and complex behavior in children, with an emphasis on helping families find strategies that are not just evidence-based, but actually workable in everyday life. Across her career, she has worked as a clinician, leader, trainer, and program developer, with a strong commitment to expanding access to thoughtful, high-quality behavioral health care. Dr. Ostmeyer/Katrina also brings the perspective of being a mom of two neurodivergent children, which gives her both professional and deeply personal insight into the realities families face. She is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical expertise and real-world support.
Find Katrina:
www.beyondtheindividual.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-ostmeyer-90b39b15/Find me:
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.insidethepicklejar.com | www.risingtidecoaching.orgSupport the show
-
In part 1 of this insightful interview, Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer, founder of Beyond the Individual, shares her journey into psychology, her clinical expertise in neurodivergence, and practical strategies for supporting children and families. Discover how systemic change, personalized interventions, and advocacy can transform the lives of neurodivergent children.
Dr Katrina Ostmeyer, is a licensed psychologist, behavior analyst, and founder of Beyond the Individual. Her work focuses on autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and complex behavior in children, with an emphasis on helping families find strategies that are not just evidence-based, but actually workable in everyday life. Across her career, she has worked as a clinician, leader, trainer, and program developer, with a strong commitment to expanding access to thoughtful, high-quality behavioral health care. Dr. Ostmeyer/Katrina also brings the perspective of being a mom of two neurodivergent children, which gives her both professional and deeply personal insight into the realities families face. She is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical expertise and real-world support.
Find Katrina:
www.beyondtheindividual.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-ostmeyer-90b39b15/Find me:
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.insidethepicklejar.com | www.risingtidecoaching.orgSupport the show
-
In part 2, we pick back up on the story of how Mark Steiner transitioned from acting to entrepreneurship, creating GigSalad to connect entertainers and event planners. Learn more about his journey and insights.
### The Birth of GigSalad
The idea for GigSalad emerged from Mark's experiences as a booking agent. While he was initially focused on national touring acts, he noticed a growing need for local entertainers to connect with event planners. "I recognized that there were two parties trying to reach each other without a platform to facilitate that connection," Mark recalls. This insight sparked the creation of a website that would serve as a directory for entertainers and event planners, ultimately leading to the official launch of GigSalad in 2007.
🥒Building a Platform for Creatives
GigSalad has since connected over 4 million event planners with entertainers, speakers, and service providers, empowering countless individuals to pursue their passions. Mark’s commitment to serving the ‘little people’ in the entertainment industry is evident in GigSalad’s mission to provide opportunities for regional talent.
🥒 Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success
Despite the success of GigSalad, Mark emphasizes that the journey was not without its challenges. "We didn’t draw any money from GigSalad for four years," he shares. This dedication to reinvesting in the business showcases Mark’s resilience and unwavering belief in the platform’s potential.
🥒Leadership Through Empathy and Vulnerability
Mark’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in empathy, intuition, and emotional intelligence. His personal experiences, including his journey with ADHD, have influenced his leadership style. He believes that vulnerability is a strength and that fostering trust and compassion within a team is essential for success.
🥒 Embracing ADHD as a Strength
Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Mark reflects on how this diagnosis provided clarity regarding his past struggles. "Before the diagnosis, I often felt misunderstood and distracted, but now I see it as a part of my unique perspective," he explains. This newfound understanding has empowered him to embrace his strengths and lead his team with authenticity.
In conclusion, Mark Steiner’s story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and empathy. Through his work with GigSalad, he has transformed the lives of countless entertainers and event planners, proving that when one person succeeds, everyone can rise together.
Find Mark:
www.gigsalad.com
www.linkedin.com/in/markandrewsteiner/
Find me:
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.insidethepicklejar.com | www.risingtidecoaching.org
#InsideThePickleJar #Entrepreneurship #ADHD #GigSalad #StorytellingSupport the show
-
Discover how Mark Steiner transitioned from acting to entrepreneurship, creating GigSalad to connect entertainers and event planners. Learn about his journey and insights.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding your true passion can often feel overwhelming. For many, the journey is filled with twists and turns, ups and downs. In this blog post, we delve into the inspiring story of Mark Steiner, co-founder and CEO of GigSalad. Mark’s unique background in acting and his personal experiences with adoption and ADHD have shaped his approach to business and leadership. Join us as we explore his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way.
🥒 About Mark Steiner
Mark Steiner is not just the co-founder and CEO of GigSalad; he is also a storyteller, a leader, and a passionate advocate for creatives. With a background in acting and a keen understanding of the entertainment industry, Mark has dedicated his career to helping others find opportunities to do what they love. His story is one of resilience, empathy, and a commitment to making the world a better place through meaningful connections.
🥒 The Transition from Acting to Entrepreneurship
Mark’s journey into entrepreneurship began in the world of acting, where he initially sought fame and recognition. "I wanted to be known, to be seen, and to be admired," he shares. However, as he immersed himself in the industry, he discovered that his passion lay not solely in performing but in supporting others to shine.
🥒 Discovering Fulfillment in the Industry
After moving to New York and working in various capacities within the film industry, Mark found joy in connecting with talented individuals. "Being in proximity to stars and working alongside them fulfilled me," he explains. This realization marked a turning point in his career, leading him to establish a talent agency that would eventually evolve into GigSalad.Find Mark:
www.gigsalad.com
www.linkedin.com/in/markandrewsteiner/Find me:
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.insidethepicklejar.com | www.risingtidecoaching.org#InsideThePickleJar #Entrepreneurship #ADHD #GigSalad #Storytelling
Support the show
-
This is a very personal subject for me. Wanting to belong but not quite fitting in. Neurodivergent people need belonging just as much as anyone else, but the path to finding tribe is full of obstacles nobody warned us about. In this episode, I get honest about the long search for my own people, and I break down the neuroscience behind why connection is harder when your brain works differently: unwritten social rules, rejection sensitive dysphoria, the fear of one wrong move costing you everything, and the exhausting paradox of masking. You'll leave this one feeling seen and with real tools for finding the community your nervous system has been looking for all along.
Come Find Community!
https://insidethepicklejar.com
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.risingtidecoaching.org#InsideThePickleJar #Neurodiversity #FindingYourTribe #SelfCompassion #MaskingTax
Support the show
-
In this episode, I share a heartfelt exploration of neurodivergence, abandonment, and the importance of creating safe spaces for authentic self-expression. I'll tell my own personal stories and using the metaphor of Punch the monkey, I'll emphasize the power of belonging, advocacy, and self-compassion, why only you are the best at being you.
Key topics:
Neurodivergence and self-advocacyThe story of Punch the monkey and belongingThe four stages: recognition, safety, belonging, reliefThe importance of creating safe spaces and communitiesPractical steps for asking for accommodationsInside the Pickle Jar (https://www.insidethepicklejar.com)
Alter Ego by Todd Herman
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
#neurodivergence, #belonging, #advocacy, #self-care, #mental health, #community, #safety, #accommodations, #Punchthemonkey, #innerstrength
Support the show
-
The Brain Science Behind Emotional Dysregulation and 9 Skills That Actually Help
This episode explores the neuroscience behind emotional dysregulation in ADHD, emphasizing understanding, compassion, and practical skills to manage intense emotions effectively.
Key Topics
Neuroscience of ADHD and emotional regulationImpact of dopamine and norepinephrine on emotionsThe role of the prefrontal cortex and amygdalaRejection sensitivity and emotional stickinessPractical skills for emotional regulationTakeaways
Emotional dysregulation in ADHD is rooted in brain wiring, not character flaws.The prefrontal cortex develops later in ADHD, affecting impulse control and regulation.Using external supports and systems can help manage emotional responses.Naming emotions activates the regulation part of the brain.Simple, ADHD-friendly skills like grounding and the stop skill are effective.Sources: Based on Emma McAdam / Therapy in a Nutshell — 'Why ADHD Makes Emotions So Intense'
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.risingtidecoaching.org & www.insidethepicklejar.comSupport the show
-
Have you ever felt like the system is set up to keep you down? You're not alone.
Tag someone who needs to hear this!
In this episode, we dive deep into the struggles of being neurodivergent in a workplace that isn’t equipped for you. The pressure to mask your true self is real, and it costs us more than we realize.
You deserve a workplace that values your unique brain, not one that makes you feel broken for being different. Knowledge is power, but it only works if you use it.
Let’s advocate for ourselves and each other. Knowledge is power, but only if we use it.
You were never the problem. Let’s change the narrative together.
Full episode - www.insidethepicklejar.com
❤️ #Neurodivergent #WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #WeirdGirlsClub #InsideThePickleJarYouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.risingtidecoaching.orgSupport the show
-
🥒Welcome to Inside the Pickle Jar!
Have you ever felt the heaviness that comes with being late? 💚
It can sit in your chest like a stone.
But I want you to know something important:
You’re not the only one who feels that way, and you’re not doing anything wrong.
Sometimes our brains experience time differently.
For many neurodivergent folks, time doesn’t move in neat little boxes.
It stretches… it shrinks… it slips away.
And that can make getting places on time feel harder than it “should.”
But here’s the truth:
Chronic lateness isn’t a flaw in your character.
It’s a pattern in your nervous system... one that deserves understanding, not shame.
There are gentle ways to support yourself:
- You can make time more visible with timers or alarms.
- You can give yourself extra room to move between tasks.
- You can prepare a few things ahead of time so the morning feels softer.
- And you can pause for a breath before shifting gears, letting your body catch up to your mind.
You are not broken.
You are a human being doing your best in a world that wasn’t built with your brain in mind.
And when we understand ourselves with kindness, something beautiful happens:
We stop fighting who we are…
and start building a life that fits.
If this speaks to you, there’s more waiting in the links below.
Patreon ~ www.patreon.com/InsideThePickleJar
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach
Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
Etsy ~ www.etsy.com/InsidethePickleJar
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.risingtidecoaching.org
Full video from the HealthyGamerGG and is a great watch: https://youtu.be/1onkZGsknsk?si=rNDb5v0r83uPcyVy
#Neurodiversity #SelfCompassion #InsideThePickleJarSupport the show
-
Ever felt guilty for doing nothing? Let’s talk about how embracing ‘Niksen’ can be your secret weapon. 👇
Tag someone who needs to hear this!
Niksen, the Dutch practice of doing nothing, is more than just a trend. For neurodivergent minds, it’s a lifeline.
Imagine sitting quietly without a to-do list, allowing your thoughts to drift like leaves on a stream. In a world obsessed with productivity, this radical act of simply being is necessary.
But why do we resist pausing? It’s tough! Our brains are wired for stimulation, making stillness feel unsafe. Yet, in this stillness lies the key to peace and creativity.In this episode, discover the Dutch principle of Niksen and learn how doing nothing can benefit neurodivergent individuals. Explore practical tips to embrace aimlessness for mental well-being. Listen to the last 5 minutes for a guided practice.
🥒Connect with Tonya here:Patreon ~ www.patreon.com/InsideThePickleJar
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
Etsy ~ www.etsy.com/InsidethePickleJar
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.risingtidecoaching.orgSupport the show
-
NeuroWell (Applying Brain Science to Build Safe, Supportive, and Proactive Schools)
In this second half of the conversation, Lisa Riegel continues the discussion on how our brains shape the way we learn and behave. She talks more about her book NeuroWell and reminds us that every child and every grown‑up, too, carries a whole world inside their mind. When we understand a little more about how the brain works, it becomes easier to see behavior not as “good” or “bad,” but as communication.
Lisa helps us notice how much context matters. A child’s actions often make perfect sense when we understand what their brain is trying to manage. Sometimes, misunderstandings about the brain can make teaching harder than it needs to be, so she encourages us to prepare educators with the science that helps them see children with compassion and clarity.
She also talks about creating school communities where everyone feels supported...teachers, students, and families alike. Big changes don’t have to happen all at once; even tiny steps can lead to something wonderful. And when we walk together, especially with our neurodivergent neighbors, those steps feel a little lighter.
Lisa offers simple, practical ways educators can build classrooms where every child’s nervous system feels welcome, understood, and safe. It’s a gentle reminder that when we care for the whole child, we help them grow into who they’re meant to be.
✨You can find Lisa connections here:
www.lisariegel.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisariegel/
www.epinstitute.net
Lisa's author page
JAKAPA About Us | JAKAPA
🥒Connect with Tonya here:
Patreon ~ www.patreon.com/InsideThePickleJar
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
Etsy ~ www.etsy.com/InsidethePickleJar
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.risingtidecoaching.orgSupport the show
-
NeuroWell (Applying Brain Science to Build Safe, Supportive, and Proactive Schools)
In this first half of the conversation, Lisa Riegel invites us to slow down and take a kind look at how our brains shape the way we learn and behave. She talks about her book NeuroWell and reminds us that every child and every grown‑up, too, carries a whole world inside their mind. When we understand a little more about how the brain works, it becomes easier to see behavior not as “good” or “bad,” but as communication.
Lisa helps us notice how much context matters. A child’s actions often make perfect sense when we understand what their brain is trying to manage. Sometimes, misunderstandings about the brain can make teaching harder than it needs to be, so she encourages us to prepare educators with the science that helps them see children with compassion and clarity.
She also talks about creating school communities where everyone feels supported...teachers, students, and families alike. Big changes don’t have to happen all at once; even tiny steps can lead to something wonderful. And when we walk together, especially with our neurodivergent neighbors, those steps feel a little lighter.
Lisa offers simple, practical ways educators can build classrooms where every child’s nervous system feels welcome, understood, and safe. It’s a gentle reminder that when we care for the whole child, we help them grow into who they’re meant to be.
✨You can find Lisa connections here:
www.lisariegel.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisariegel/
www.epinstitute.net
Lisa's author page
🥒Connect with Tonya here:
Patreon ~ www.patreon.com/InsideThePickleJar
YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach Instagram ~ www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach
LinkedIn ~ www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver/
Etsy ~ www.etsy.com/InsidethePickleJar
TikTok ~ www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606
Website ~ www.risingtidecoaching.orgSupport the show
- Laat meer zien
