I Must Be BUG'N

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGIn this episode, I take my time really digging into the concept of ego, exploring its role in self-awareness and personal identity. I discuss the importance of understanding the ego as both a source of strength and a potential obstacle. I briefly discuss Freud while leaning much more heavily on the thoughts of Mooji and my own thoughts about how we conceptualize our Self. I talk a bit about psychological theories and then continue my journey by discussing the nature of consciousness, identity, and the transient nature of our experiences. I really go into the complexities of identity, authenticity, and the role of ego in shaping our self-perception. I also make sure to frame this from a neurodivergent perspective, since that significantly shapes how we see and interact with the world. At the end of the day, this is a deep and complex conversation about how to become truly aware of our true Selves so that we can not just survive but thrive through the connections we foster from a truly authentic and unmovable place that isn't bound by current or past circumstances.Key Points:We are not our bodies or minds; they are vessels and lenses through which we experience Life.Ego can manifest as both strength and obstacle.Self-acceptance is crucial as we navigate change.We must challenge our perceptions of Self.Connection is fundamental to our existence and well-being.We often see others through the lens of our own experiences.Shame and guilt can prevent personal growth and acceptance.We are all interconnected, and our experiences shape our identities.Helpful Links:Mooji on "What is Ego?"Annaka Harris discusses the illusion of self and free willAudre Lorde - "Learning from the '60s""Ego Tripping" by Nikki GiovanniHire me to speak or buy some merch!Community for Black Gifted Adults - Our Wild Minds - Use code "Sheldon"Umbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent peopleSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsIntro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGIn this episode, I reflect on some things we need to leave in 2024 and some key things we need to make sure we're honing in on for 2025. I discuss things like patriarchy, the importance of internal validation, and the need for authentic community connections. How healthy boundaries and the power of imagination in creating new ways of being change our future? Join me as I think critically about our roles in perpetuating and dismantling oppressive systems while embracing our own power and authenticity moving forward into the new year.Key Points:Why we must name patriarchy and accept that it harms and is perpetuated by more than "men"Healthy boundaries are true game-changers for lifeImagining new ways of being can truly be an act of resistance and disrupt systems of oppressionHelpful Links:Lecrae interviews Jason WilsonAdam Grant interviews Loretta J. RossHire me to speak or buy some merch!Community for Black Gifted Adults - Our Wild Minds - Use code "Sheldon"Umbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent peopleSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsIntro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGIn this previously recorded episode, I speak with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodivergence and giftedness. We explore the complexities of being neurodivergent, the importance of self-discovery, and the need for supportive environments for gifted individuals. Dr. Matt shares his personal experiences as someone who was identified as gifted early but had to wait several years to be diagnosed with ADHD. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and the necessity of creating inclusive spaces that recognize and nurture diverse talents. We also discuss the significance of DEI work, the need for community and connection, and the role of self-awareness in navigating systemic issues that impact us all. This is a great start to our discussion that we will pick up again in the new year. Take a listen and check out Dr. Matt's book via the link below as well. Stay in contact with Dr. Matt:Dr. Matt on InstagramDr. Matt's websiteHelpful Links:Grab Dr. Matt's Book!Hire me to speak or buy some merch!Community for Black Gifted Adults - Our Wild Minds - Use code "Sheldon"Umbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent peopleSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsIntro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGDon't forget to subscribe, SHARE and leave a reviewSummary:In this episode, I explore the complex nature of grief through personal experiences I've encountered over the past year or so. I reflect on the multiple deaths/transitions that led me to this point in my journey. I discuss the death of our cat, my grandmother, the challenge of ending a long-term marriage as well as the death of Self. Through these stories, I outline griefs as an integral part of love and personal growth. It's likely my most personal episode to date.Key Points: Grief is part of loveThe loss of a pet is not something to be overlookedBeing present during a loved one's transition is a deep act of love.The end of a marriage is a special kind of grief.The death of Self requires powerful internal work and ongoing challengesGrief is not something to be avoided; it can be a teacher.Helpful Links:Hire me to speak or buy some merch! - HOLIDAY 2024 SALE use code "SKULLGERBIL"Community for Black Gifted Adults - Our Wild Minds - Use code "Sheldon"Umbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent peopleSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsIntro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGDon't forget to subscribe, SHARE and leave a reviewIn this episode, I reflect on the emotional aftermath of the recent elections in the United States. I acknowledge the real and healthy grief many of us are experiencing. I spoke off the cuff and without any notes or quotes or prepared thoughts, just my heart. I give the briefest glimpse into why this goes much deeper than whether "my team won". I also mention how it caused me to further reflect on the grief from deaths, divorce and more in the past year or so. I emphasize why and how we should process grief as a natural part of love and connection. Whether or not you listen to the episode, I urge you to seek community and not face this journey in isolation.Key Takeaways:Today has been tough for many, especially marginalized communities.The US political system is often inhumane and unjust.Grief is a natural response to love and loss.Processing grief is essential for mental health.Community support is crucial during difficult times.It's important to make peace with our attachments.Isolation can exacerbate feelings of grief and despair.Finding community can help in navigating grief and identity.Helpful Links:Support the podcast by buying "I Must Be BUG'N" merch!Community for Black Gifted Adults - Our Wild Minds - Use code "Sheldon"Dr. Mick - Licensed Therapist who shares knowledge while gamingUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyBloomers Gifted and 2E Facebook GroupNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsIntro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the album Nevermore

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGDon't forget to subscribe, SHARE and leave a reviewToday we're welcoming back friend of the podcast, Dr. Kimberly Douglass. We're catching up with her and speaking more in-depth about what it means to, as she says, "Decolonize Neurodivergence" as well as why it's so important. Per usual, we just vibe and share our thoughts about how systems of oppression create unnecessary and harmful conditions we must work to free ourselves from, especially melanted and marginalized communities. Dr. Kimberly also discusses her program for women that helps them tackle this problem in their lives.Key Takeaways:How "Gifted and Talented" programs often fail students by creating a sense of exceptionalism while neglecting their human needs.Why we need to continue the pursuit of community-centered support rather than individualism.Recognizing and challenging oppressive systems is crucial in reshaping familial and societal dynamics.Futurism should focus on redefining relationships and include marginalized voices in shaping the future.Self-reflection and healing are crucial in the process of decolonization.Connect with Dr. Kimberly Douglass:Decolonizing Neurodivergence Program for Womendouglass@drkimberlydouglass.comdrkimberlydouglass.comHelpful Links:Wait, Could I Be Gifted? The "Quiz"Community for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacyND Connect - Online Neuro-inclusive CommunityNeurodivergent Sanctuary Facebook GroupSubmit your Questions or Misunderstood InsightsIntro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "It Couldn't Be" from the alb

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGFollow Square Pegs Podcast on IGDon't forget to subscribe, SHARE and leave a reviewJoin me for my first guest/collaboriation episode where I was interviewed by Arash Zaghi of the "Square Pegs" podcast. This is one of my favorite episdoes because Arash's vision is very much aligned with mine.I share my journey as a neurodivergent person, reflecting on childhood experiences, educational challenges, and the importance of advocacy. I discuss how my unique learning needs were often misunderstood, highlighting the critical role of supportive environments and the value of diverse thinking in STEM fields. We also discuss the intersectionality of being Black, gifted, and neurodivergent, addressing systemic biases and the importance of community and self-acceptance. Our discussion emphasizes the need for educational reform to better accommodate non-traditional learners and calls for a holistic approach to learning that recognizes and nurtures diverse cognitive abilities. Square Pegs Podcast is a series of intimate conversations about navigating life and learning within the neurodiverse community, hosted by Dr. Arash Zaghi, Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering. In each episode, we talk to neurodiverse students and experts in the field of neurodiversity. Episode Highlights:00:42 Meet Sheldon Gay: host of "I Must Be BUG'N" podcast 02:18 Sheldon's early school experiences 05:37 Discovering a passion for math and science 07:53 Divergent thinking and early academic challenges 11:10 The impact of real-world applications in education 15:42 Challenges in traditional education systems 27:41 The evolution of cognitive skills 28:24 Embracing uniquely brilliant minds 29:43 Changing systems to fit diverse minds 30:27 Choosing an MBA over engineering 32:18 Innovative projects and missed opportunities 33:39 Starting the "I Must Be BUG’N" podcast 34:42 Challenges of being neurodivergent in marginalized communities 38:08 The importance of diagnosis and acceptance 47:07 Creating a supportive community 53:15 Advice to younger self Helpful Links:Wait, Could I Be Gifted? The "Quiz"Community for Black/BIPOC Gifted Adults - Our Wild MindsUmbrella US - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacySubmit your Questions or Misunderstood Insights

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGDon't forget to subscribe, SHARE and leave a reviewWe're back with the conclusion of our latest episode where I talk with the amazing LaToya Hinton, PhD. She is a late-identified AuDHDer who's gifted. LaToya is a mixed methods researcher, data nerd, python programmer and advocate for neurodivergent women leaders. She had so much to share about her experience of seld-discovery, how her relationship with her parents may have impacted her neurodivergent journey and the need for understanding, acceptance, and support for neurodivergent individuals in leadership roles.Key Takeaways:Why self-discovery and self-acceptance are critical, especially for marginalized communitiesSocietal expectations can limit the authentic expression of people's humanityHow inclusive and accessible work environments are crucial for neurodivergent individualsThe intersectionality of neurodivergence and race should be considered in discussions of diversity and inclusionInformation Mentioned in this Episode:LaToya on LinkedInNeurodivergent Women Leaders: Creative Mentorship and SupportTecessibility WebsiteHelpful Links:Wait, Could I Be Gifted? The "Quiz"Community for Black/BIPOC 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 alb

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors)Follow I Must Be BUGN on IGDon't forget to subscribe, SHARE and leave a reviewWe're back with a new episode where I talk with the amazing LaToya Hinton, PhD. She is a late-identified AuDHDer who's gifted. LaToya is a mixed methods researcher, data nerd, python programmer and advocate for neurodivergent women leaders. She had so much to share about her experience of seld-discovery, how her relationship with her parents may have impacted her neurodivergent journey and the need for understanding, acceptance, and support for neurodivergent individuals in leadership roles.Key Takeaways:Late diagnosis of neurodivergence can be challenging but also life-changing in a positive way.Being curious about lived-experience can completely change relationshipsCreating safe spaces and providing resources and support is crucial for neurodivergent individuals, particularly in the workplace.Information Mentioned in this Episode:LaToya on LinkedInNeurodivergent Women Leaders: Creative Mentorship and SupportTecessibility WebsiteHelpful Links:Wait, Could I Be Gifted? The "Quiz"Community for Black/BIPOC 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 alb