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I Must Be BUG'N
Journey into the Black Gifted and Neurodivergent Experience
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13. It Must Be a Conversation with Kaitlin Smith
01:38:51Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review NOWIn the final episode of my first Season, I interview Kaitlin Smith, MSW, Founder of Our Wild Minds. We talk about her work creating an amazing community for gifted BIPOC adults. Kaitlin shares her story, including the challenges of facing racism, sexism and mysogyny that created a significant misalignment with colleagues within her preparations to become a psychotherapist. She talks about how these factors influenced her decision to move away from psychotherapy and into the work she's currently pursuing that has even further implications for communities she cares about.This is an in-depth conversation that covers many areas, including how acorns can help us fight systems of oppession and bring us closer to Octavia Butler. We also talk about topics like the power of recognizing our place within the ecosystem as more than "apex predator". In this conversation, we challenge stereotypes and shift perspectives, discuss discovering a connection to nature, investigate the power of possibility and wonder, as well as the importance of building capacity for giftedness and other neurodivergent experiences.Key Topics:The impact of racism, sexism and misogyny in the field of psychotherapyAddressing internalized racism and assumptions is crucial for creating inclusive spaces for gifted individuals and the broader societyThe benefits of connecting with nature, including access to holistic and affordable food and medicineHow embracing possibility and wonder can lead to personal growth and the pursuit of ambitious goals, but it may also present challenges in a world that often values conformity.Connect with Kaitlin Smith:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourwildminds/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our.wildminds/Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaitlinsm1thLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlinnoelsmith/Helpful Links:Community for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsBrilliant Article "Acorns and Octavia" by Kaitlin Smith"What the Robin Knows" book by Jon YoungBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsIntro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore
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12. It Must Be a Conversation with Sydney Elaine Butler
01:04:32Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast.In this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Sydney Elaine Butler, an HR professional and Founder of Accessible Creates. We discuss the importance of centering neurodivergent voices and experiences, as well as Sydney's personal journey and understanding of neurodiversity. Sydney shares insights on improving internal HR practices and workplace accessibility, particularly for women. Sydney also highlights the importance of avoiding misconceptions about neurodivergence when providing accommodations, as well as the need for individualized approaches. We talk about the importance of continuous learning and being open to making mistakes as part of the journey towards inclusivity.Key Topics:Centering neurodivergent voices and experiences is crucial for creating inclusive and accessible workplaces.Understanding and embracing one's multiple identities is essential for personal growth and authenticity.Improving internal HR practices and workplace accessibility is vital for supporting neurodivergent individuals.Women in the workplace often face unique challenges and need support and understanding.Balancing personal and professional growth is important for overall well-being and success. Advancements in technology, such as AI and software tools, can improve accessibility and accommodations in the workplace.Avoid assuming what accommodations individuals need and instead listen to their specific needs.Creating safe and inclusive spaces requires continuous learning, embracing neurodivergent differences, and being open to making mistakes.Individuals should be patient and compassionate with themselves, understanding that their experiences and needs may differ.Connect with Sydney:linktr.ee/sydneyelainebutler - this has all their social linksHelpful Links:Community for Black Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsIntro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore
11. It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Kimberly Douglass
01:11:29Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast.In this episode, I speak with Dr. Kimberly Douglass, a coach and consultant to neurodivergent adults who also identifies as AuDHD. Dr. Douglass delves into the concept of decolonizing neurodivergence. We talk about how refusing homework for her son helps her push back against the systems that seek to determine our societal outcomes. She shares why genuine curiosity, grace, and connection in supporting neurodivergent individuals is critical. I also learned about how she helps neurodivergent people, especially creatives, unlock their potential and make progress where they've felt stuck. At the core of this discussion is emphasizing the importance of seeing individuals as whole persons and creating space for self-discovery and acceptance.Key Topics:Decolonizing neurodivergence is about challenging the ideas that seek to forget the individual and see us only as commoditiesCurrent diagnostic criteria and support systems are often based on research conducted on white boys, which leads to a lack of understanding and support for individuals from marginalized communities.Making sure your message reaches the people who need to hear it, and that won't include everyone.How Black and marginalized individuals often face stereotypes and surveillance, which can overshadow our needs and lead to misinterpretation of our behavior.Creating space for self-discovery and acceptance and how that's key to neurodivergent healing and thriving.Connect with Dr. Douglass:douglass@drkimberlydouglass.comdrkimberlydouglass.comHelpful Links:Community for Black Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsIntro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore
10. It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Patty Williams
01:27:20Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGOn this episode I chat with my good friend, Dr. Patty Williams, a trauma therapist and advocate for the gifted and neurodivergent community. Dr. Patty shares her personal journey as a 2E child and now therapist. I speak with Dr. Patty about her upcoming book, healing gifted trauma and how we heal. She also discusses the Bloomers group, a Facebook community for gifted and twice exceptional adults. It's a great conversation that I've been looking forward to sharing with you all for awhile.Key TopicsThe challenges with identifying and supporting gifted and 2E people, especially when their giftedness masks other needs or conditions.Why imposter syndrome can be common among gifted individuals, leading them to question their expertise and belonging in their field.Why she wants to move away from the term "asynchronous development" The importance of safe and inclusive community, such as the Bloomers groupMoreConnect with Dr. Patty:https://brightinsight.support/about.htmlbrightinsightadvocate@gmail.comHelpful Links:Bloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore
9. It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Dave Hester - Part 2
48:18Enjoy the conclusion of my amazing conversation with Dr. Dave Hester, a Vice-President at LifeGuides, tech-innovator, speaker, psychologist, transformational leader with a goal of improving the wellbeing of 1 billion human lives.In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Dave Hester, we discuss the importance of challenging our perspectives by not identifying with them, self-acceptance and compassion, rejection sensitivity and emotional permanance, Rumi and more. Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGConnect with Dave:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhesterjrHelpful Links:LifeGuides WebsiteBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupND Connect - online community for neurodivergent peopleNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore
8. It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Dave Hester - Part 1
54:51Happy New Year! I hope the holidays treated you well and you avoided many of the pitfalls of challenging experiences that can come with this annual cycle.Dr. Dave Hester is a Vice-President at LifeGuides, tech-innovator, speaker, psychologist, transformational leader with a goal of improving the wellbeing of 1 billion human lives.In Part 1 of my conversation with Dr. Dave Hester, we discuss his background, whether his family supported his neurodivergent journey, how LifeGuides aligned with his personal mission and how it's transforming workplaces as well as other neurodivergent curiosities about how life works.Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGConnect with Dave:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhesterjrHelpful Links:LifeGuides WebsiteBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupND Connect - online community for neurodivergent peopleNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore
7. It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Joy Lawson Davis
01:05:20Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside)Today I was absolutely HONORED for my first guest to be Dr. Joy Lawson Davis, the award-winning author and preeminent advocate for Black and marginalized gifted students.Dr. Davis' most recent books include "Bright Talented & Black: A guide for Families of Black gifted learners 2.0”; “Empowering Underrepresented Gifted Students: Perspectives from the Field” and “Culturally Responsive Teaching in Gifted Education: Building Cultural Competence and Serving Diverse populations”.Our amazing discussion includes:Her experience as a Black gifted childThe resistance she experienced in doing her work as a Black womanHow we can identify gifted students and moreConnect with Dr. Davis:Email: profjoy1022@gmail.comWebsite: https://drjoylawsondavis.com/Twitter/X: @davis_joyNOTE: I apologize sincerely for the background noise. They say the library is a quiet place but I can assure you that is not always true (haha).Helpful Links:The G-Word Film Link to Bloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupLink to ND Connect - online community for neurodivergent peopleLink to Neurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsDon't forget to suscribe, SHARE and leave a review if you're enjoying the podcast...Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore