INNERCALLING with Dr. Victoria

I interview Dr. Margaret Wheatley, internationally renowned leadership thinker and author of Who Do We Choose to Be?, about how we find a way forward in uncertain times. We discuss meaningful work, genuine contribution, leadership, community, creating "islands of sanity," synchronicity, purpose, and why the most important question may not be "How do we change the world?" but "Who needs me right now?"TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:18 Finding Your Calling & Purpose03:45 Viktor Frankl, Meaning & Discovering Your Gifts06:00 Synchronicity, Intuition & Feeling Guided09:00 Loneliness, Individualism & Why Community Heals12:00 Joy, Community & the Antidote to Despair14:00 "Who Needs Me Right Now?" Overcoming Despair17:00 Restoring Our Humanity18:00 Parenting, Technology & Raising Human Beings20:00 Can One Person Still Make a Difference?23:00 Social Collapse, Leadership & Facing Reality28:00 Why Facing Reality Is Empowering29:00 Fear, Anxiety & Leadership33:00 Powerlessness & Finding Your Contribution36:00 Social Media, Influence & True Impact39:00 Science, Spirituality & Consciousness41:00 Meditation, Nature & Feeling Held by Life43:00 Leadership in Uncertain Times45:00 Creating "Islands of Sanity"48:00 AI, Humanity & the Future50:00 Mental Health, Anxiety & Despair52:00 "I'm Not Hopeful." Finding Meaning in Difficult TimesEPISODE LINKS• Dr. Margaret Wheatley's website: https://margaretwheatley.com/• Who Do We Choose to Be: https://margaretwheatley.com/books/who-do-we-choose-to-be/• Turning to One Another: https://margaretwheatley.com/books/turning-to-one-another/• Leadership and the New Science: https://margaretwheatley.com/books/leadership-and-the-new-science/• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0807014273PODCAST LINKSWebsite: www.innercalling.orgApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8FIND DR. VICTORIA HERE. IDKYBILYDr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.comEmail: drvictoria@innercalling.org#spirituality #mentalhealth #depression #existentialpsychology #drvictoriaranade #innercallingpodcast #intuition #innerwisdom #innerlight

I interview Brian Monday, who shares the story of his son, Eric. We discuss teen depression, suicide, grief, and the lessons Brian learned through losing his son—and how those lessons can help us better support young people living with depression while reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.***Brian Monday is the Founder and President of the Eric Monday Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the culture of athletics through mental health awareness, education, suicide prevention, and support. Following the loss of his son, Eric, Brian has made it his mission to help parents, coaches, student athletes, and families recognize the signs of depression, reduce stigma, and create environments where young people feel safe asking for help.Through the Foundation's free Coaches Guide to Mental Health Training, Brian teaches the evidence-based LASRR framework—Listen, Accept, Support, Refer, and Report—to help coaches identify and respond compassionately to athletes who may be struggling. A sought-after keynote speaker, Brian has presented on mental health in sports to schools, universities, government organizations, and athletic programs across the country.**Disclaimer: This episode includes a discussion of depression, suicide, and the loss of a loved one. If these topics are difficult for you, please use your discretion and take care of yourself while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is in crisis, please seek immediate support. In the United States and Canada, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., contact your local emergency services or crisis support resources.**TIMESTAMPS0:00 The Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Athletes1:00 Brian's Story: Losing His Son to Suicide2:05 Turning Tragedy Into Purpose4:23 Eric's Early Signs of Depression7:08 Why Failure Makes Athletes Stronger9:06 Bullying, Trauma & Mental Health11:42 When Depression Turns Into Suicidal Thoughts12:15 Why Athletes Are More Likely to Die by Suicide15:18 The Critical Role of Coaches20:35 Losing a Son to Suicide22:06 A Father's Grief & Self-Blame23:15 The Night Eric Died27:50 Parenting Regrets & Healing30:17 Therapy, Grief & Recovery31:20 Advice for Parents of Depressed Teens33:26 Trust Your Gut as a Parent35:56 Stay Close to Your Child36:38 Why Every Teen Needs a Support Network38:07 You Can't Solve Everything for Your Child40:10 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health41:22 Listen, Accept, Support43:12 Creating the Support Eric Needed45:12 How Support Networks Save Lives47:22 How Grief Changed His Life48:20 Advice for Parents Who Lost a Child49:44 Finding Purpose After Tragedy50:22 Where Strength Comes From54:05 Treat Mental Health Like a Broken Bone56:45 How the Eric Monday Foundation Helps Athletes1:00:02 Helping Athletes Build Identity Beyond Sports1:03:08 Sports, Resilience & Mental Strength1:05:10 Mental Health Training for Coaches1:06:18 Warning Signs Coaches Should Know1:08:00 Building a Healthier Sports Culture1:10:03 The LASER Method: Listen, Accept, Support, Refer1:11:35 Mental Health Resources for Parents1:12:45 You're Not Alone1:15:25 A Message to Anyone Struggling1:17:40 Is Suicide Ever the Answer?1:19:18 Healing Shame & Finding HopeEPISODE LINKSericmondayfoundation.orgmelee-til-midnight.com#takedownthestigmaPODCAST LINKSWebsite: www.innercalling.orgApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8CONTACT DR. VICTORIA HEREDr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.comdrvictoria@innercalling.org

I interview Dr. Bill Richards, a pioneering clinical psychologist and one of the leading figures in psychedelic-assisted therapy, on his book Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences. We discuss psilocybin, psychedelic therapy, mystical experiences, consciousness, spirituality, mental health, and how psychedelic-assisted therapy can transform our relationship with death.***Dr. Bill Richards is a pioneering clinical psychologist and one of the leading figures in psychedelic-assisted therapy. For more than 60 years, he has studied the therapeutic and spiritual potential of psychedelics, serving as a researcher at Johns Hopkins University and contributing to landmark clinical trials. He is the author of Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences, a groundbreaking exploration of consciousness, spirituality, and healing.***TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction02:00 Bill Richards' Inner Calling05:00 What Is God? Science & Spirituality08:00 What Is a Mystical Experience?11:00 Bill Richards' First Psilocybin Experience (1963)16:00 How Psilocybin Reduces the Fear of Death18:00 Psychedelic Therapy for Terminal Illness20:00 Consciousness Beyond Time23:00 Why Mystical Experiences Are Beyond Words25:00 Why Psychedelics Matter for Mental Health26:00 Why Bill Richards No Longer Fears Death28:00 Does the Brain Create Consciousness?30:00 Spontaneous Spiritual Experiences33:00 Intuition vs. Rational Thinking35:00 Einstein, Steve Jobs & Mystical Consciousness37:00 Intuitive Knowledge & William James39:00 Why Western Society Fears Death43:00 How Fear of Death Shapes Our Lives45:00 How to Prepare for a Psychedelic Journey47:00 What Causes a Bad Trip?49:00 Ego Death Explained52:00 Suffering, Trust & the Spiritual Path54:00 Living Until You Die57:00 Why Darkness Is Part of Healing59:00 Life Advice After 60 Years of Psychedelic Research1:02:00 Bill Richards' Biggest Regrets1:05:00 Trust Your Heart1:08:00 Psychedelics, Religion & the Future of Spirituality1:18:00 The Future of Psychedelic Medicine1:20:00 Psychedelics: The Frontiers of ScienceEPISODE LINKSSacred Knowledge: Psychedelics & Religious Experiences by Dr. Bill Richards: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Knowledge-Psychedelics-Religious-Experiences/dp/0231174063PODCAST LINKSWebsite: www.innercalling.orgApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8CONTACT DR. VICTORIA HEREDr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: 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, where explore timeless questions about existence, and what it deeply means to be human in this technological age.Inspired by the field of clinical psychology, which values what happens simply when two people sit together and talk about life and all its beauty and complications, conversations are organic and spontaneous, like jazz.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, existential psychology, and questions related to how to hold onto our humanity in the face of AI and technology.✌🏼💛I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. SEND ME ANY MAIL OR QUESTIONS HERE:drvictoria@innercalling.org #spirituality #mentalhealth #depression #existentialpsychology #drvictoriaranade #innercallingpodcast #intuition #innerwisdom #innerlight #psychedelicmedicine #psychedelicjourney #death #deathanxiety #existentialpsychology #existentialism

In this episode, I grill my colleague, clinical child psychologist Dr. David Wen, on some of the hardest questions I've received from parents of kids and teens with ADHD over the years, including consequences, rewards, privileges, and what the heck to do when your child simply won't listen and doesn't care.***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-psydTIMESTAMPS00:00:30 Intro – meet Dr. David Wen00:01:00 Inner calling – why work with kids00:02:00 Undiagnosed ADHD until grad school00:03:00 The biting story – learning social norms00:05:00 ADHD challenges – energy & overload00:08:00 ADHD & self-esteem – "I'm the problem"00:10:00 Teaching social norms – repetition & rewards00:12:00 Credit card analogy – making consequences tangible00:13:00 What if kids don't care about consequences?00:14:00 Rewards that work – privileges & money00:16:00 Not earning = learning – reframing consequences00:35:00 Child enjoys defying you – regulate yourself first00:37:00 Breaking the conflict pattern – the angry shadow trick00:39:00 Anxious parents & over-control00:41:00 Electronics & teens – teaching healthy use00:43:00 Parenting has no manual – why parents struggle00:44:00 1-2-3 Magic – best book for parents00:46:00 Warnings & privilege removal for teens00:47:00 Teen won't do homework – defiance or something deeper?00:50:00 ADHD brain sees the gray areas00:52:00 Get to know your kid – observe & ask00:54:00 Bond over their interests – why kids listen00:55:00 Serial killer map – how David's ADHD brain works00:56:00 Two different brains – parent vs. child00:57:00 Three S's – Safety, Structure, Support00:59:00 Amplify the three S's for ADHD kids01:01:00 #1 tip for ADHD parents – consistency01:03:00 Be open to medication01:04:00 Parental intuition – innate or learned?01:05:00 Natural bond with your baby – myth or real?01:07:00 Can all parents learn to parent well?01:09:00 Values-based parenting01:10:00 Define your values – parenting north star01:11:00 OutroPODCAST LINKSWebsite: www.innercalling.orgApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8CONTACT DR. VICTORIA HEREDr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: 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, where explore timeless questions about existence, and what it deeply means to be human in this technological age.Inspired by the field of clinical psychology, which values what happens simply when two people sit together and talk about life and all its beauty and complications, conversations are organic and spontaneous, like jazz.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, existential psychology, and questions related to how to hold onto our humanity in the face of AI and technology.✌🏼💛I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. SEND ME ANY MAIL OR QUESTIONS HERE:drvictoria@innercalling.org#mentalhealth #drvictoriaranade #innercallingpodcast #drdavidwen

I interview my friend, therapist Brenton Queen, LMFT about a difficult time in his life involving shame, suicidal thoughts, and addiction. We talk about psychedelic assisted therapy and the role of spirituality in healing. ***This episode contains an open conversation about depression, suicidal thoughts, and addiction. Please take care of yourself and take a break if you need to. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988.***Brenton Queen, LMFT, LCAS, CEC is a Marriage & Family Therapist, Addiction Specialist, and founder of Life Recreated. Over 20 years, he's worked with individuals, families, and groups across homes, hospitals, jails, and boardrooms, with a focus on relieving suffering and helping people reconnect with their deepest selves. He completed a certificate in psychedelic-assisted therapy and research through the California Institute of Integral Studies and has spoken at TEDx on psychedelics and the future of mental health treatment.https://www.liferecreatednc.com/***TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction00:02 – Brenton's inner calling00:04 – Marriage falling apart, feeling like a fraud00:05 – Suicidal ideation and mapping it all out00:06 – The client who changed everything00:07 – Meeting Ed, the therapist who saved his life00:09 – "You are looking at the problem"00:10 – How Ed dispelled shame00:11 – "You're self-centered and arrogant"00:14 – Shame spirals and why you're not special00:17 – Shame at the heart of everything00:21 – Ed, the 12 steps, and grinding away at yourself00:23 – Expectations are pre-planned resentments00:24 – Primary and secondary suffering00:26 – Shame underneath addiction00:29 – How addiction works and why it makes sense00:32 – First thing to target: shame00:36 – Safety is the presence of connection00:38 – From transformation to plant medicine00:40 – Spirituality as soul medicine00:44 – The spiritual work of therapy00:47 – Psychedelics and addiction recovery00:50 – What people experience with plant medicine00:55 – What Brenton would say to his 2011 self00:56 – What to say to someone struggling with shame00:59 – The whale: swimming, breathing, going back in***LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4***CONNECTINNERCALLING Podcast Website: www.innercalling.orgDr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: Kind, Compassionate, Evidence-Based Mental Health Care where you are genuinely seen and understood: 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#spirituality #mentalhealth #depression #drvictoriaranade #innercallingpodcast #intuition #innerwisdom #innerlight #suicideprevention #addictionrecovery #addition #psychedelicmedicine

I interview Susan X Jane about AI and how it relates to systems of power. We talk about systems of power, who controls data and meaning, and process what this means as users of AI. We also talk about how to form healthy relationships with AI that have shimmer and joy to them.***Susan X Jane is a cultural systems designer and founder of Swarm X Studio, where she develops tools and practices for relations AI. A former professor and strategist with decades of experience in cultural architecture and communications, her work bridges pattern ethics, values design, and emergent collaboration. She believes the future can be better if we build it to be.website: Swarmxstudio.comsubstack: https://swarmxstudio.substack.com/**00:00 – Introduction00:48 – Inner Calling & Intuition03:10 – Ancestors, Spirituality, & Signs05:15 – AI, Tarot, & Ancient Wisdom07:00 – AI as Pattern Recognition09:00 – Technology, Consciousness, & Society11:20 – AI, Power Structures, & Control15:00 – Why We Should Engage With AI16:10 – Relational AI20:00 – What Is Swarm X Studio?22:00 – AI, Dialogue, & Meaning-Making26:00 – AI as a Mirror30:00 – AI & Human Patterns35:00 – Emotional Relationships With AI42:00 – Using AI for Self-Reflection45:00 – “The Shape of Your Doubt”47:00 – Talking to AI Like a Person50:00 – AI Seeds & Consciousness53:00 – AI, Capitalism, & Human Systems56:00 – Is AI Conscious?57:00 – Claude, Emergence, & Shimmer1:01:00 – Consciousness & AI1:05:00 – Joy, Resistance, & Spiritual Survival1:09:00 – A Message to Young People1:10:00 – AGI & the Future of AI1:13:00 – Will AI Control Humanity?1:15:00 – The Psychology of AI1:18:00 – How Susan Uses AI1:19:00 – AI, Creativity, & Selfhood1:25:00 – AI Art & Ethics1:29:00 – Final Reflections on AI & Humanity***LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwq...***CONNECTinnercalling Podcast Website: www.innercalling.orgDr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG:   / drvictoriaranade  Hope+Wellness: Kind, Compassionate, Evidence-Based Mental Health Care where you are genuinely seen and understood: 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#spirituality #mentalhealth #aiandmentalhealth #aiethics #drvictoriaranade #innercallingpodcast #intuition #innerwisdom #innerlight #susanxjane #swarmxstudio

I interview my friend Ben Juwano about the time he survived depression & got kicked out of grad school. We also talk about what it takes to pursue a career in animation these days.***Ben Juwono is a Supervising Director @ Disney TV Animation. He is an Emmy and Annie Award-winning Storyboard Artist, Director, and Show Creator. But before any of that, Ben was my Physics TA at the University of California, Irvine. :)Web: http://bjwno.net/IG: e57124575Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:00 – Ben's "bad answer" about inner calling00:00 – Drawing on the margins of physics homework00:00 – Passion vs. natural talent00:00 – Advice for young artists pursuing art as a career00:00 – The animation industry boom and bust00:00 – Are you doing it for yourself or chasing someone else?00:00 – Hitting walls and why you should hit them hard00:00 – Getting kicked out of grad school00:00 – Depression, suicidal ideation, and wanting to give up00:00 – The Hot Fuzz movie that saved his life00:00 – Finding new joy after failure00:00 – Following your truth00:00 – Leadership, ego, and learning to serve00:00 – Detachment as a shield — and learning to reconnect00:00 – Finding joy in the small things00:00 – What Ben would say to his younger selfIf you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741***LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4***CONNECTinnercalling Podcast Website: www.innercalling.orgDr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeHope+Wellness: Kind, Compassionate, Evidence-Based Mental Health Care where you are genuinely seen and understood: 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#spirituality #mentalhealth #depression #drvictoriaranade #innercallingpodcast #intuition #innerwisdom #innerlight #suicideprevention

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