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The Autistic Mystic Podcast
1. Autism and Poor Things: the autistic woman’s coming of age story
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I know I’m not the only one who immediately read Bella Baxter as autistic! In this episode I explore all the ways I took Poor Things to be an allegory for autistic womens’ coming of age. There will be spoilers.
For those of you who don't know (get to know! Watch it, it's fabulous): 'Poor Things' is a movie about a woman "brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist. She runs off with a lawyer on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, she grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation." Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and written by Tony McNamara, starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael. It wont 4 Oscars at the Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
02:16 Exploring Autistic Traits Through Bella's Journey
06:24 Naivety and Sincerity
18:08 “Polite Society” and Ridiculous Social Norms
21:35 Difficulty Navigating Friendships and Relationships
25:35 Hyperfixations and Sexuality
26:57 Challenging Gender Norms and Societal Expectations
32:02 Concluding Thoughts on 'Poor Things' and Its Impact
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Check out my other podcast: https://linktr.ee/mukundwa_
Join my Patreon: https://patreon.com/autisticasfuck
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/autisticasfpodcast
Find a therapist or counsellor: https://ndtherapists.com and https://neurodivergentpractitioners.org/
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11. Social unmasking: conversations are co-creations
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54:46|My life has changed for the better due to entering my thirties and understanding my brain more (autism). I'v begun the process of building authentic self-esteem and discuss this in depth. Namely:The tenets of improved self esteemTools to reframe self care if you’re struggling to take your needs seriouslyPutting respeck on your name: not diminishing your talentsWhen is self deprecation appropriateDisassociation as a coping mechanismLearning what boundaries are and tuning to my needsParentification, Codependence and Emotional incestSexual advocacyHow autism has shifted my personal styleGetting better at self advocacyTrusting my intuitionRejecting the idea of ‘coming out’The guilt of prioritising my needsPlease leave a review on Apple podcasts so that other late-diagnosers can find the show. And thank you Patrons for your presence! It’s a real joy creating and engaging with you allCheck out my other podcast: https://linktr.ee/mukundwa_Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/autisticasfpodcastFind a therapist or counsellor: https://ndtherapists.com and https://neurodivergentpractitioners.org/9. Burnout and Hope
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49:53|This episode is a detailed review of the themes in Helen Hoang's "The Kiss Quotient". It's an ICONIC book which inspired a lot of thought. I discuss autistic self-esteem, sexual exploration and platonic intimacy. More specifically:00:00 Overview of the book 'The Kiss Quotient' with spoilers00:15 Exploring Sexual Content in Literature vs. Pornography04:22 Discussing the Emotional Journey of Reading 'The Kiss Quotient'08:12 Stella's Story: Autistic Representation and Love15:24 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Autistic Experiences23:29 Navigating Social Interactions and Misunderstandings25:04 Sensory Overload and Emotional Challenges during sex26:41 Exploring Intimacy and Consent as an autistic woman30:27 The Journey of self-understanding and Acceptance45:36 Reflections on Work, Life, and Autistic RepresentationPlease leave a review on Apple podcasts so that other late-diagnosers can find the showCheck out my other podcast: https://linktr.ee/mukundwa_Join my Patreon: https://patreon.com/autisticasfuckBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/autisticasfpodcastFind a therapist or counsellor: https://ndtherapists.com and https://neurodivergentpractitioners.org/6. Autism and Casual Sex: it's not for us, fellas.
26:30|This episode is my case against casual sex! Sex is glorious and awesome and I hope we all have more of it. However we can't ignore the challenges inherent to autism that make us very bad candidates for casual sex. In this episode I unpack autistic sensitivities and accommodations that would make “casual” sex, anything but that. I discuss:The double burden of having to unmask and contend with socialisation that has made women fawn and struggle to self advocateMeltdowns, breakdowns and going nonverbal during stressful intimacyWhat does safe vs. unsafe sex look like for autistic womenThe importance of building self trustDouble speak, manipulation vs. DirectnessAutistics and a trusting nature/naivityPlease leave a rating on Spotify and review on Apple podcasts so that other late-diagnosers can find the showReferencesThe Kiss Quotient by Helen HoangPick Up Artists Examined: https://youtu.be/Tpuw_aPP-n4?si=zPnLDXnh9GDO-uHQ Check out my other podcast: https://linktr.ee/mukundwa_Join my Patreon: https://patreon.com/autisticasfuckBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/autisticasfpodcastFind a therapist or counsellor: https://ndtherapists.com and https://neurodivergentpractitioners.org/5. Autism and Suicidality: the will to live amidst societal collapse
36:18|TRIGGER WARNING: S*icideI've been having a hard time making meaning out of life - what with societal collapse, genocides hustle culture - and wanted to share some conclusions I made about why it is better to stay alive than to opt out. I hope this episode makes you feel seen and a little less alone.Themes discussed:Arguments in favour of staying aliveFinding joy while the world is burningFinding ones place in the worldAutism and justice sensitivity Magic and nature Please leave a review on Apple podcasts so that other late-diagnosers can find the showCheck out my other podcast: https://linktr.ee/mukundwa_Join my Patreon: https://patreon.com/autisticasfuckBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/autisticasfpodcastFind a therapist or counsellor: https://ndtherapists.com and https://neurodivergentpractitioners.org/4. Autism and loneliness: social anxiety, vulnerability and dating apps
31:36|I went to a queer brunch and had the most fascinating experience. This episode discusses my reflections on:Social Anxiety, Solipsism and Self-AwarenessThe fundamental loneliness of being an adultThe Harsh Realities of AdulthoodThe Complexities of Dating and Social ExpectationsGroup Vulnerability and Shared ExperiencesPlease leave a review on Apple podcasts so that other late-diagnosers can find the showCheck out my other podcast: https://linktr.ee/mukundwa_Join my Patreon: https://patreon.com/autisticasfuckBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/autisticasfpodcastFind a therapist or counsellor: https://ndtherapists.com and https://neurodivergentpractitioners.org/3. Leave Amanda Seales alone! Her bullying and silencing and its implications on black autistic women
15:58|Amanda Seales is being unfairly dog-pilled on. When people are cut down because they're honest and direct, what does this say about society at large? If it's unsafe for a successful, effective, beautiful allistic woman to be unflinching in her anti-establishment critiques, what hope is there for the average black autistic woman? This episode dissects bullying dynamics, the price of honesty, Hollywood, blackness and the isolation that comes from being a truth-teller.00:35 The Unfair Treatment of Amanda Seales and Its Implications on black autistic women03:00 The Intersection of Autism, Likability, and Professional Success05:44 Black Hollywood, oppression, bullies thrive in silence10:38 Hollywood archetypes and bullyingPlease leave a review on Apple podcasts so that other late-diagnosers can find the showCheck out my other podcast: https://linktr.ee/mukundwa_Join my Patreon: https://patreon.com/autisticasfuckBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/autisticasfpodcastFind a therapist or counsellor: https://ndtherapists.com and https://neurodivergentpractitioners.org/