In this episode of Ctrl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds, Amy and Megan dive into the interconnected worlds of interoception, self-regulation, and emotional awareness. They explore what it means to interpret internal body signals—like hunger, fatigue, and emotions—and how neurodivergence can create unique challenges and strengths in understanding these cues. From personal experiences with wearables to navigating sensory sensitivities and energy regulation, this candid discussion highlights practical strategies for building self-awareness and managing the complexities of living in a neurodivergent body.

Can hyper-focus be both a superpower and a struggle? In this candid conversation, Amy and Megan explore the complexities of intense focus states in neurodivergent brains. From productive deep work to unwanted fixations, they unpack the science and lived experience of when your brain latches onto something and won't let go. You'll discover:

Whether you're learning to harness your focus superpowers or struggling to redirect them, this episode offers fresh perspectives on working with (not against) your brain's natural tendencies. Join our hosts as they share personal strategies, laugh about laptop batteries as accountability partners, and explore how to navigate life when your brain has its own agenda.

In this episode of Ctrl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds, Amy and Megan dive into the ins and outs of conference preparation, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. From managing energy and sensory overload to strategic packing and self-care, they explore the delicate balance of maximizing learning and connection while minimizing burnout. Whether you're a seasoned conference-goer or considering your first, tune in for practical tips, funny anecdotes, and candid reflections on the trade-offs of in-person and virtual events.

Ever felt like your brain went through a blender? In this fascinating episode, Amy and Megan dive deep into the science of "mom brain" and the massive neurological restructuring that happens during parenthood (spoiler: it's as significant as adolescence!). Whether you're a parent, considering parenthood, or just curious about how major life changes affect our neurodivergent minds, you'll discover:

Join our hosts as they challenge harmful stereotypes about "mom brain" and explore how major life transitions reshape our neurological landscape. Whether you're navigating parenthood with ADHD, supporting someone who is, or interested in how our brains adapt to big changes, this episode offers validation, scientific insights, and practical perspectives on embracing your evolving brain.

In this episode of Ctl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds, Amy and Megan dive into the concept of “I just need to” — those tasks we tell ourselves should be simple but often feel impossible to complete. They explore why these “just need to” moments can be deceptive indicators of deeper blocks and discuss strategies like time-blocking, recipe cards, and delegation to navigate them. Tune in to hear relatable stories, including how both hosts have approached their own tricky “just need to” situations and insights on balancing support with self-compassion. This candid conversation sheds light on why it’s not always as simple as “just doing it” and how to navigate our own unique brain wiring to actually get things done.

In this episode of CTRL + ALT + THINK, Amy and Megan dig into the love-hate relationship that neurodivergent minds have with deadlines. From helpful tips like using visual timers to fun deadline hacks, they share strategies for managing (or sometimes dodging) deadlines without losing too much sanity. Amy dives into how energy management can make or break her approach to deadlines, while Megan explores how self-imposed deadlines, turned external for accountability, keep her on track. They discuss the dance of “urgent” versus “interesting” work, debate the power of rest, and laugh about those inevitable deadline fails that only ADHD brains can truly appreciate. It’s a laid-back chat for anyone who’s ever stared down a deadline and wondered, “Is this a motivator or just plain stress?” Tune in for insights, laughs, and a few techniques to help make deadlines work with you, not against you!

Amy and Megan take a winding path as they discuss the neurodivergent brain’s unique ability to make unexpected connections. From exploring the challenges of energy management and multitasking to the intricacies of research and writing, they delve into how neurodivergent individuals leverage their web-like thinking to find creative solutions. Along the way, they chat about their experiences using AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly, sharing insights on the benefits and pitfalls of integrating AI into their work and personal lives. If you've ever wondered how neurodivergent minds find patterns and problem-solve in non-linear ways, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, CTRL + ALT + THINK dives into the art (and challenge!) of mindfulness for neurodivergent minds. Megan and Amy explore how mindfulness doesn’t have to mean sitting cross-legged in silence for hours but can instead be about finding small, grounded moments—like savoring that perfect cup of coffee or zoning out to birds chirping. The duo shares practical mindfulness hacks, from quick sensory techniques like 5-4-3-2-1 to casual grounding rituals. Plus, they reveal some personal quirks, like Megan’s “garden gazing” habit and Amy’s coffee rituals. They wrap up by questioning whether mindfulness can help grow our self-awareness, setting the stage for more introspective discussions in future episodes. Tune in for relatable mindfulness tips, neurodivergent-friendly advice, and a refreshing reminder that it’s okay if traditional methods don’t work for you!