3Spoonies Episode Number 49.5, 26th february 2026
With Karen Duncan , Jo O’Neil and Claire Napper
In this community questions episode of 3Spoonies, we’re answering real listener questions about creating a flexible schedule that actually works in real life — especially when you’re disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or living with fluctuating energy.
Flexible scheduling is often talked about as a productivity hack, but for many of us it’s about survival, sustainability, and protecting our health. In this episode, we unpack what flexibility really looks like when your capacity changes day to day — and why rigid “perfect routines” often make things worse, not better.
This episode is gentle, practical, and grounded in lived experience — no hustle culture, no toxic productivity, and no pretending that flexibility means “doing everything whenever you want.”
If you’ve ever felt like scheduling advice wasn’t made for your body or brain, this one’s for you.
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If you’d like to find out more about our hosts;
Jo O’Neil
Website: https://bright-cat.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-oneil/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightCatBusiness
Claire Napper
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-napper
Website: www.blackveilstationery.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Blackveilstationery
Karen Duncan
Website: http://www.ponyponypony.co.uk
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/PonyPonyPony
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PonyPonyPonyCourses
Sponsors
A HUGE thank to our main episode sponsor:
Outside the Box: Neurodiverse Coaching and Mentoring®
Supporting neurodivergent adults to finally thrive in a world that sees their brilliance
Website: https://amandamckay.com/
Support Needs Wheel download: https://amandajharman.com/supportneedswheel/
Book a discovery call with AJ: https://calendar.app.google/DoCLrD9DhaFv3w7B8
Would you like to buy us a coffee? Check our Ko-Fi at Ko-fi.com/3spoonies
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:28 Late Diagnosis and Self-Understanding
02:32 Recognising Neurodivergent Traits
03:46 Adjusting Expectations of Yourself
05:05 Working Differently, Not Wrong
06:28 Communicating Your Needs
07:49 Finding What Works for You
09:02 Letting Go of Internalised Pressure
10:35 Outro
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