innercalling with Dr. Victoria

What does neuropsych testing actually reveal about your brain? In this episode, neuropsychologist Dr. Kayleigh Hale and Dr. Victoria Ranade explore how neuropsychological testing can help children, teens, and adults understand ADHD, anxiety, neurodivergence, and masking — and why a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach changes everything. Whether you're a parent wondering if your child needs testing, a woman navigating a late ADHD diagnosis, or someone who's been masking without realizing it, this conversation will help you understand what testing can do and why it matters.**Dr. Kayleigh Hale is a neuropsychologist, licensed clinical psychologist, and the Director of Testing and Assessment at Hope+Wellness. She specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults, with a deep passion for neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based assessment. As a parent of neurodivergent children herself, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work, helping people understand their brains, find clarity, and come home to themselves. https://www.hope-wellness.com/-dr-kayleigh-hale***0:00 Introduction3:00 What is neuropsychological testing5:00 Types of assessments explained7:00 Neuropsych vs psychoeducational evaluation9:00 ADHD and anxiety: why they look alike11:00 School testing vs private neuropsych13:00 When to get a diagnosis: ADHD, autism, dyslexia15:00 Neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach17:00 Discovering your child's gifts through testing19:00 You're not broken: compassion in feedback20:00 High-masking women and neurodivergence24:00 Early intervention and why it matters27:00 Brief vs comprehensive evaluation29:00 Testing for adults and self-understanding32:00 Strategies and recommendations from a neuropsych report35:00 How to choose the right neuropsychologist39:00 AI and the future of neuropsych testing40:00 How to refer someone for testing43:00 Is neuropsych testing worth the investment46:00 Why comprehensive testing catches what brief testing misses49:00 Testing for depression and anxiety in children51:00 Accommodations and documentation from a neuropsych report54:00 Limitations of testing and cultural competence56:00 Neurodivergent women: masking and self-acceptance58:00 How masking goes unnoticed1:00:00 Coming home to yourself through testing1:03:00 Why institutions aren't designed for neurodiverse brains1:06:00 Masking vs social skills adaptation1:07:00 Resources for neurodivergent parents and adults***CONNECTinnercalling Podcast Website: www.innercalling.orgDr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: Kind, Compassionate, Evidence-Based Mental Health Care: https://www.hope-wellness.com* * * *WHAT IS INNERCALLING?innercalling is a podcast dedicated to the belief that there is a light inside you of profound power, beauty, and wisdom that no darkness can ever overcome. It's a space where mental health meets spirituality, and explore timeless questions about existence, mortality, and what it deeply means to be human.Hosted by Dr. Victoria Ranade, PhD, MBA, ABPP, conversations feature real, organic conversation between two humans, inspired by the field of mental health & clinical psychology, which values what happens simply when two people sit together and talk about life and all its beauty and complications.WHO IS DR. VICTORIA? Hi there, I'm Dr. Victoria Ranade. I'm a board certified licensed clinical psychologist, writer, and podcaster deeply passionate about mental health, spirituality, integrative wellness, and honoring the light inside you — the one that no darkness can ever overcome. Fun fact: You're one of my greatest inspirations.✌🏼💛I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. SEND ME ANY MAIL OR QUESTIONS HERE:info@innercalling.org

I love Mark. He is a phenomenal writer and teacher, and I had the gift of spending two years working with him as he mentored me in my writing craft—and the book I’m still working on (now in year five!). In this conversation, we explore writing, authenticity, and how listening to your inner voice can change your life. We talk about the timeless wisdom of Emerson and how it applies to modern life, as well as the role of craftsmanship, creativity, and what it means to stay true to yourself as a writer in the age of AI. Mark shares his perspective on writing as a spiritual practice, the discipline of the craft, and what it really takes to not only live, but to create authentically.**Mark Matousek is a bestselling author, teacher, and speaker whose work explores personal awakening, self-inquiry, and creative transformation through writing. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including his latest work on Emerson, the Stoics, and Me: Timeless Wisdom for Living an Authentic Life. Mark is also the founder of The Secrets Forum, a global community dedicated to exploring the human condition. He is widely known for his method “Writing to Awaken,” which uses journaling and deep questioning as tools for insight, healing, and self-discovery. https://markmatousek.com/**SHOW LINKS:https://www.amazon.com/Emerson-Stoics-Me-Timeless-Authentic/dp/0063059703**TIMESTAMPS00:00 Authenticity Has a Price02:00 What Is Your Inner Voice?06:00 Writing as a Spiritual Practice10:00 Emerson’s Philosophy Explained14:00 Spirituality Without Religion19:00 How to Trust Yourself23:00 The Cost of Being Authentic29:00 The Shadow & Hidden Power34:00 AI vs Authentic Writing41:00 Is AI Killing Creativity?47:00 Why Struggle Matters54:00 The Beauty of Being Human1:03:00 Writing to Awaken Practice1:12:00 Advice for Writers1:29:00 Death, Meaning & Purpose***LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4***CONNECT WITH DR. VICTORIAPodcast Website: www.innercalling.orgDr. Victoria: www.victoriaranade.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: Mental health care that's kind, compassionate, and evidence-based. A place where you are genuinely seen & understood. Founded by Dr. Victoria: https://www.hope-wellness.com* * * *WHAT IS INNERCALLING?innercalling is a podcast hosted by Dr. Victoria Ranade, PhD, MBA, ABPP that brings together leaders, scientists, clinicians, authors, artists, and everyday people to explore what it means to stay grounded in inner wisdom, creativity, purpose, and our shared humanity during rapidly changing times. Inspired by the tradition of clinical psychology, each episode is a conversation that honors the human spirit and the extraordinary capacity for growth and resilience that lives within each of us.WHO IS DR. VICTORIA?Hi there, I'm Dr. Victoria Ranade. I'm a board certified licensed clinical psychologist, writer, and podcaster deeply passionate about mental health, spirituality, integrative wellness, and honoring the light inside you — the one that no darkness can ever overcome. Fun fact: You're one of my greatest inspirations. I made this podcast so you would know you're not alone.✌🏼💛I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. SEND ME ANY MAIL OR QUESTIONS HERE:info@innercalling.org1069 W Broad StSTE 804Falls Church, VA 22046#writing #spiritualgrowth #stoicism #stoicphilosophy #stoicwisdom #stoicmindset #spirituality #spiritualjourney #spiritualguidance #writingcommunity #writingadvice #transformation #selfinquiry #intuition #innervoice #innerknowing

I was raised by a single father, so I’ve always had a deep respect for how difficult and essential good fathering is. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. David Wen, a clinical psychologist specializing in parents, children, and families. We talk about why anger is often the first challenge for fathers, and the tension between what you received growing up and the kind of father you want to be. We explore how small moments with your child can make a lasting difference. We also talk about self-care, emotional regulation, and simple in-the-moment tools when things escalate, along with the pressure many fathers carry as providers and how it impacts their capacity to show up at home.***Dr. David Wen is a licensed clinical psychologist at Hope+Wellness who specializes in working with children, parents, and fathers. He brings clinical expertise and lived experience to his work, supporting dads and parents in showing up in ways that feel meaningful, even in the face of real-world parenting challenges.His approach is grounded in evidence-based therapy and delivered with a style that is warm, direct, and attuned to both parents and children. Learn more: https://www.hope-wellness.com/david-wen-psyd**00:00 Inner calling: from engineer to psychologist02:00 Absent father, immigrant family, raised by four women05:00 How do you give what you never received?07:00 Inherited temper and breaking the cycle09:00 How becoming a psychologist taught him to parent10:00 Working with fathers: anger is the first thing to address11:00 Parenting is a skill — not just instinct13:00 Inherent love vs. learned nurturing26:00 Is it healthy for men to express anger?28:00 Dr. Victoria's story: raised by a stressed single father30:00 Self-care isn't selfish — quality over quantity34:00 In-the-moment coping skills: deep breaths, walk away, be random36:00 Kids don't break — but parents do38:00 Special time: five minutes of focused attention changes everything40:00 Join their world — get to know your kid43:00 Fatherhood and intuition — starting antidepressants as self-awareness50:00 Capacity, coping skills, and the weight fathers carry51:00 The provider pressure — learning to be the plus one52:00 Advice for new dads: get your temper in check first54:00 Your values as a North Star for parenting55:00 Encouragement for dads feeling ashamed or disconnected56:00 First steps when you feel distant from your child57:00 When the child feels wronged: how to still reach out59:00 How therapy helps fathers — being seen and supported01:01:00 Book rec: 1-2-3 Magic***CONNECT WITH DR. VICTORIA Podcast Website: www.innercalling.orgDr .Victoria: www.victoriaranade.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness, boutique mental health care that's kind, compassionate, and evidence-based. A place where you are genuinely seen & understood. Founded by Dr. Victoria: https://www.hope-wellness.com* * * *WHAT IS INNERCALLING?innercalling is a podcast hosted by Dr. Victoria Ranade, PhD, MBA, ABPP that brings together leaders, scientists, clinicians, authors, artists, and everyday people to explore what it means to stay grounded in inner wisdom, creativity, purpose, and our shared humanity during rapidly changing times. Inspired by the tradition of clinical psychology, each episode is a conversation that honors the human spirit and the extraordinary capacity for growth and resilience that lives within each of us.WHO IS DR. VICTORIA? Hi there, I'm Dr. Victoria Ranade. I'm a board certified licensed clinical psychologist, writer, and podcaster deeply passionate about mental health, spirituality, integrative wellness, and honoring the light inside you — the one that no darkness can ever overcome. Fun fact: You're one of my greatest inspirations. I made this podcast so you would know you're not alone.✌🏼💛I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. SEND ME ANY MAIL OR QUESTIONS HERE:info@innercalling.org #parenting #adhd #adhdawareness #parentingtips #parentingjourney #fatherhood #fatherhoodjourney

I've always wondered what it's like being an actor. How do they do what they do? So I asked my friend Nick to come onto the show. He's an actor and therapist who talks about the ancient art of theater and how it connects us — how our longing for stories is something deeply ancient. From watching his brother transform on stage at eight years old to navigating a world of screens and AI, Nick explores what happens when strangers sit together in the dark and feel something real together. Something that is being lost more and more in modern life. What is it? A conversation about acting, intuition, community, vulnerability, and why we can't make meaning alone. ***Nick Sholley is an actor and licensed therapist.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/peter-n-sholley-mft-great-barrington-ma/84815***LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4***CONNECT WITH DR. VICTORIA Podcast Website: www.innercalling.orgDr .Victoria: www.victoriaranade.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness, boutique mental health care that's kind, compassionate, and evidence-based. A place where you are genuinely seen & understood. Founded by Dr. Victoria: https://www.hope-wellness.com* * * *WHAT IS INNERCALLING?innercalling is a podcast hosted by Dr. Victoria Ranade, PhD, MBA, ABPP that brings together leaders, scientists, clinicians, authors, artists, and everyday people to explore what it means to stay grounded in inner wisdom, creativity, purpose, and our shared humanity during rapidly changing times. Inspired by the tradition of clinical psychology, each episode is a conversation that honors the human spirit and the extraordinary capacity for growth and resilience that lives within each of us.WHO IS DR. VICTORIA? Hi there, I'm Dr. Victoria Ranade. I'm a board certified licensed clinical psychologist, writer, and podcaster deeply passionate about mental health, spirituality, integrative wellness, and honoring the light inside you — the one that no darkness can ever overcome. Fun fact: You're one of my greatest inspirations. I made this podcast so you would know you're not alone.✌🏼💛I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. SEND ME ANY MAIL OR QUESTIONS HERE:info@innercalling.org 1069 W Broad StSTE 804Falls Church, VA 22046

I love Susan; she encouraged me to start up this podcast and is the reason this podcast exists. A broadcast veteran of 40 years and vocal coach, she was one of the first people who helped me understand the power of finding your authentic voice as a woman. In our conversation, Susan explains how diaphragmatic breathing unlocks a voice most women don't know they have. We talk about how society teaches women to make themselves smaller and what it took for Susan to walk into a New York City boardroom at 23 as one of the only women in the room. We then get personal, and discuss Susan's journey through the dark night of the soul. We talk about grief, breath as a way to keep going, and why the voice that keeps you going is the same voice Susan coaches people to find through vocal training.*This episode contains a discussion of suicide and grief. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Please take care of yourself while listening.---Susan Murphy has had a decades-long career in the broadcast industry. In both TV and radio, she's been on-air and behind the scenes mostly in New York. She's taught at the college level and has kept her hand in voice over work. Susan is now coaching new TV reporters and podcasters.susanmurphyvosot.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-murphy-a649406/***4:00 What is your authentic voice — the physiology5:00 The societal messages that silence women19:00 Coaching pace, rhythm, and melody in your voice20:00 What boldness means when it's not about volume26:00 Authenticity, essence, and why women hide behind their voice29:00 How Susan raised herself — and walked into a boardroom at 2332:00 Where confidence starts — it starts with your voice33:00 What you hear is what you get35:00 Your gut, your diaphragm, and where inner calling lives36:00 Imposter syndrome and social media39:00 Why we're afraid of dead air and what algorithms are doing to us43:00 Finding your voice as political action45:00 Women and the discomfort of power47:00 You are never too much — and what to say when someone tells you that you are50:00 Spirit, faith, and where your voice really comes from51:00 The dark night of the soul 56:00 A message for anyone who is struggling***LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4***CONNECT WITH DR. VICTORIAPodcast Website: www.innercalling.orgDr .Victoria: www.victoriaranade.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness, boutique mental health care that's kind, compassionate, and evidence-based. A place where you are genuinely seen & understood. Founded by Dr. Victoria: https://www.hope-wellness.com* * * *WHAT IS INNERCALLING?innercalling is a podcast hosted by Dr. Victoria Ranade, PhD, MBA, ABPP that brings together leaders, scientists, clinicians, authors, artists, and everyday people to explore what it means to stay grounded in inner wisdom, creativity, purpose, and our shared humanity during rapidly changing times. Inspired by the tradition of clinical psychology, each episode is a conversation that honors the human spirit and the extraordinary capacity for growth and resilience that lives within each of us.WHO IS DR. VICTORIA?Hi there, I'm Dr. Victoria Ranade. I'm a board certified licensed clinical psychologist, writer, and podcaster deeply passionate about mental health, spirituality, integrative wellness, and honoring the light inside you — the one that no darkness can ever overcome. Fun fact: You're one of my greatest inspirations. I made this podcast so you would know you're not alone.✌🏼💛I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. SEND ME ANY MAIL OR QUESTIONS HERE:info@innercalling.org1069 W Broad StSTE 804Falls Church, VA 22046#vocalcoach #broadcasting #vocalpower #vocalconfidence #confidence #womenempowerment #womeninbusiness #womenpower

How do we stay connected to one another even when the world is pulling us apart? How can we remember a sense of kinship and cultivate it in our communities? I invited my friend and colleague, Dr. Jennifer Young, onto the show to share her thoughts on this very topic as well as the nonprofit she recently started to support refugee mental health. We talk about what it's like to follow an inner calling to become a psychologist when your immigrant parents think you're crazy for wanting to listen to people for a living. We talk about being the only Asian American in the room, finding your voice when the standard doesn't look or sound like you, and what it took for each of us to keep going anyway.Dr. Young shares why she started Kin-nection, why she believes human compassion will be the thing people are searching for 20 years from now, and why we can't rely on AI to do the work that requires human connection. We go places I didn't expect — intergenerational trauma, Guan Yin, a clairvoyant, and what our ancestry and lineage has to do with the work we feel called to do.***Dr. Jennifer T. Young is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified EMDR therapist, and intercultural psychology consultant. She is the founder and president of Kin-nection, a nonprofit building community among mental health and language professionals to serve vulnerable, displaced populations. Jennifer has served as a psychologist at U.S. Peace Corps Headquarters, a consulting psychologist at the Headington Institute supporting humanitarian aid workers, and has worked in university and college counseling centers in CA. She holds a PsyD from Alliant International University and a BA in Psychology and Social Behavior from UC Irvine.https://drjennifertyoung.com/https://www.kin-nection.org/**2:00 she knew at nine — the first inner calling4:00 the high school hotline6:00 becoming a psychologist as a woman of color16:00 when your immigrant parents think you're crazy25:00 advice for young people of color in the field27:00 finding your voice as an Asian American clinician35:00 what are your roots, really?44:00 the path to working with refugees internationally49:00 why refugee mental health matters now53:00 founding Kin-nection57:00 what Kin-nection is and how it works1:00:00 why human compassion will outlast AI1:06:00 the inner calling that wouldn't leave1:12:00 intergenerational trauma and ancestry1:17:00 what an inner calling really feels like1:24:00 Asian American women and leadership1:31:00 advice if you feel an inner calling1:39:00 100 years from now — what do we hold onto?***CONNECT WITH DR. VICTORIAPodcast Website: www.innercalling.orgDr. Victoria: www.victoriaranade.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness, boutique mental health care that's kind, compassionate, and evidence-based. A place where you are genuinely seen & understood. Founded by Dr. Victoria: https://www.hope-wellness.com* * * *WHAT IS INNERCALLING?innercalling is a podcast hosted by Dr. Victoria Ranade, PhD, MBA, ABPP that brings together leaders, scientists, clinicians, authors, artists, and everyday people to explore what it means to stay grounded in inner wisdom, creativity, purpose, and our shared humanity during rapidly changing times. Inspired by the tradition of clinical psychology, each episode is a conversation that honors the human spirit and the extraordinary capacity for growth and resilience that lives within each of us.WHO IS DR. VICTORIA?Hi there, I'm Dr. Victoria Ranade. I'm a board certified licensed clinical psychologist, writer, and podcaster deeply passionate about mental health, spirituality, integrative wellness, and honoring the light inside you — the one that no darkness can ever overcome. Fun fact: You're one of my greatest inspirations. I made this podcast so you would know you're not alone.✌🏼💛I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. SEND ME ANY MAIL OR QUESTIONS HERE:info@innercalling.org