The Deep Dive Podcast

Episode 14 - Shannon Swales - From Burnout to Wellness: A Transformative Journey

Shannon Swales, is a psychologist driven by a deep passion to empower individuals with the essential mental health knowledge & skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed & burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout and other mental health conditions herself. Shannon's odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career & the care of others with a more balanced & empathetic mindset. Join Shannon on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences & valuable insights, fostering a message of resilience, self-care, & the triumph of well-being. Connect with Shannon's work via http://www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com, by reading her burnout memoir - Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back http://www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/buy-my-bookShannon is also on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/burnoutpsychologysupport

Episode 13 - Lauren Lang from @ContraryMotionChannel - Making Music more accessible

Starting her music studies at just eight years old with the cello, Lauren Lang quickly moved to guitar before expanding their studies to an array of instruments, including drum set, percussion, bass guitar, and piano. Lauren's passion for music synthesis developed during her teenage years, leading to a performing arts high school and post-secondary studies at Peabody Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. After a decade-long hiatus and an AuDHD diagnosis at age 30, Lauren has returned to music with the launch of their YouTube channel, Contrary Motion, which is dedicated to making music more accessible for neurodivergent people. With innovative pedagogies and strategies tailored to diverse learning styles and support needs, Contrary Motion empowers viewers to engage with music on their own terms. Check out her channel on YouTube -  @ContraryMotionChannel  or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contrarymotionchannel/

Episode 12 - Annie Crowe - Neuroaccessibility and the SAFE Self Advocacy Method

Summary
In this conversation, Annie Crowe discusses the concept of neuroaccessibility and its importance for neurodivergent individuals. She explains that neuroaccessibility is when the needs of neurodivergent people are specifically considered and products, services, environments, and systems are built or modified to be used by people of all neurotypes. Annie highlights the proactive nature of accessibility compared to accommodations and reasonable adjustments, which are reactive and individualized. She also discusses common barriers to neuroaccessibility, such as sensory overload and communication challenges, and provides strategies for organizations and businesses to modify their systems to be more accessible. Annie emphasizes the role of self-advocacy in gaining neuroaccessibility and introduces her SAFE self-advocacy method. She explains that knowing one's rights enhances self-advocacy and addresses internalized ableism. Annie also emphasizes the importance of community connection in the self-advocacy journey and discusses how neurodivergent individuals can ensure their self-fulfillment needs are met in their personal and professional lives. She provides insights on preparing for and managing setbacks in self-advocacy and shares her inspiration for creating the @Neuroaccess Network, a community focused on empowering neurodivergent individuals to advocate for their needs. Annie concludes by inviting listeners to sign up for her safe self-advocacy masterclass and learn more about neuroaccessibility on her website and social media channels.
For more information go to:-http://www.neuroaccess.com.auor on Instagram at the following:-http://www.instagram.com/@_anniecrowehttp://www.instagram.com/@princessandthepeapodcasthttp://www.instagram.com/@neuroaccess.com.au

Episode 11 - Our First International Guest - YouTuber @NeurodiverJENNt

Jen, a neurodivergent individual, shares her journey of creating content on YouTube to raise awareness about neurodiversity and autism. She discusses the topics of dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD, common misconceptions about neurodiversity, and the need for better representation in media. Jen emphasizes the importance of sharing personal experiences to help others feel less alone and promote understanding. She offers advice for neurodivergent individuals navigating the world and advocates for inclusivity and acceptance. Jen also mentions resources like Tony Atwood and Sarah Hendricks for learning more about neurodiversity.
 

Episode 10 - Ange McArthur , a mother, business owner, and advocate

Summary
Ange McArthur , a mother, business owner, and advocate, discusses her experience managing time and being punctual as a mother and business owner with ADHD and autism. She emphasizes the importance of giving herself grace and reducing work hours to accommodate her children's needs. Ange communicates openly with her team and clients about her neurodivergence and potential for occasional lateness. She stays organized using calendars, reminders, and alarms. Ange prioritizes self-care by scheduling time for herself and acknowledges the challenges of balancing motherhood, business, and neurodivergence. She advocates for better standards and practices within the NDIS system and addresses bad providers by reconciling invoices and escalating issues. Ange encourages other parents and business owners to ask questions, join support groups, and seek resources to navigate the NDIS system. She uses her platform and influence to bring attention to systemic issues and drive positive change within the NDIS sector. Ange recommends sticking to what you know and being kind to yourself in a system designed to defeat neurodivergent individuals.
 

Episode 9 - Sarah Langston - Helping Out Neurodivergent Parents via The ANPA

Episode 8 - Lauren McGee - Eliminating Stress in a Stressful World

Stress is a natural response in the body that occurs when we perceive something as a threat. However, in today's society, stress has become chronic and accumulates throughout the day. Chronic stress can lead to long-term changes in brain chemistry and neuroplasticity, affecting brain structure and function. It can also manifest in the body physically, causing tension and discomfort in different parts of the body. Stress can contribute to the development of neurological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help regulate the nervous system's response to stress. Gut health plays a crucial role in mediating the effects of stress on the nervous system, as the gut and brain are interconnected. Workplace Performance and Wellbeing Institute was founded to help individuals and organizations thrive by providing tools and education to manage stress. The Thriving Workplace Podcast was created to bring valuable insights and conversations to a wider audience.
Takeaways
Stress is a natural response in the body, but chronic stress can have negative effects on brain structure and function.
Chronic stress can manifest physically in the body, causing tension and discomfort in different areas.
Stress can contribute to the development of anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help regulate the nervous system's response to stress.
Gut health plays a crucial role in mediating the effects of stress on the nervous system.
Workplace Performance and Wellbeing Institute aims to help individuals and organizations thrive by providing tools and education to manage stress.
The Thriving Workplace Podcast brings valuable insights and conversations to a wider audience.
Titles
Physical Manifestations of Stress in the Body
The Link Between Stress and Anxiety/Depression
Sound Bites
"Stress is a natural perception in the body, and it starts within the brain."
"Your brain is going to adapt to what it really needs, because your brain just works in keeping you alive."
"Neuroplasticity is basically your brain's way of diverting its energy and function where it feels like it needs to go."
Links
http://www.wpwi.org
https://linktr.ee/wpwi
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lauren_thestresssolutionist/
https://www.instagram.com/workplacepwi/
The Thriving Workplace Podcast -
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7GwGkd2I0f6Z1HRdV8RJ9i?si=65zo2SNJTcSjXRZp3YN0kw
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thriving-workplace-podcast/id1750608415

Episode 7 - Neurodivergent Travel Hacks in Australia

Episode 6 – Justin Bruce - The Hidden Disability Sunflower Program: Breaking Stigmas & Encouraging Support

Justin Bruce is an executive manager at Bayley House, supporting adults with Intellectual Disabilities under the NDIS. Four years ago, Justin brought the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to Australia and New Zealand with the aim of building a more tolerant, understanding and inclusive society for all. Justin is dedicated to promoting the voice of people with disability to build self-advocacy and proudly supporting the workforce who strive every day to make a positive social impact.
 
Checkout the website - hdsunflower.com

Episode 5 - Stephanie Robertson - Being an Occupational Therapist in a Neuroaffirming Practice and providing Trauma Informed Care

Steph Robertson is the founder of occupational therapist at SGR Occupational Therapy. As a multiply- neurodivergent person herself, Steph is passionate about supporting others to embrace neurodiversity and live a life that aligns with who they are authentically. Steph has dedicated her career to providing trauma-informed and neurodivergent affirming treatment, education, and advocacy through occupational therapy. She holds a master's degree in Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice and has extensive clinical, research and lived experience which are all drawn upon in her therapy supports and trainings. 
Steph is known for her compassionate and holistic approach to therapy, focusing on empowering her clients to heal and thrive. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can feel comfortable sharing their experiences and working towards their goals. Steph is skilled in providing unique and affirming approaches to therapy to ensure each and every person has their needs met and experience a felt sense of safety when it comes to receiving support.
In addition to her clinical work, Steph is actively involved in educating and training other healthcare professionals on neurodiversity affirming practice and trauma informed care. She is a strong advocate for raising awareness about the neurodiversity affirming movement and the importance of incorporating trauma-informed principles into all therapeutic practice. Steph’s dedication to her clients and her commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care make her a respected leader in the field of neurodivergent affirming and trauma-informed occupational therapy.
Steph loves ALL animals (even the creepy ones), being in nature, meditating, writing, reading, singing and spending time with her family.
Steph would love to connect with you all!
If you want to find her, here are the links:
Instagram: @sgroccupationaltherapy
Facebook: SGR Holistic Occupational Therapy
Facebook Group: Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement @sgroccupationaltherapy
Website: www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com
Podcast: Alphabet Soup! Exploring Complex Neurodiversity