Shows
Embracing Intensity289: Reclaiming Power Through Art w/ Ilima ConsidineIn this week's episode, Aurora sits down with Portland-based multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker Ilima Considine to explore how neurodivergence, art, music, and personal experience intersect to spark powerful creative expression. Ilima shares her journey through long COVID, chronic illness, and how she channels her intensity into film, empowering others in the process. As Ilima prepares to premiere her second feature-length film, Drug Holiday, she talks about the themes of trauma, addiction, and radicalization—and how they resonate with creative and neurodivergent communities. This conversation dives deep into how one artist transforms challenges into bold storytelling. ...
2025-11-0427 min
Embracing Intensity287: The Myth of Work-Life BalanceIs work-life balance real—or just another unrealistic expectation? In this solo episode of Embracing Intensity, I unpack the myth of work-life balance and share my journey toward something more meaningful: harmony. Drawing from my personal life, this episode dives deep into how neurodivergent people navigate work hours, personal time, and the demands of life in a way that feels aligned, not forced. After a summer of restoration and reflection, I'm back working full-time in the school system—and instead of chasing "balance," I'm creating sustainable rhythms that honor my energy, creativity, and mental health.
2025-09-0133 min
Embracing Intensity286: Collective Liberation w/ Caroline J. SumlinIn this powerful episode of Embracing Intensity, we welcome Caroline J. Sumlin—author of We'll All Be Free—for a deep, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation about collective liberation, the impact of white supremacy culture, and how we can begin to reclaim our worth. Caroline shares her perspective as a neurodivergent mother, speaker, and educator, and we explore the intersection of self-worth, systemic oppression, and sustainable social justice work. About Caroline J. Sumlin Caroline is an author, speaker, and homeschool parent living in the Washington D.C. area. Her work centers on liberation from white supremacy cult...
2025-07-0141 min
Embracing Intensity285: The Power of Mirroring with Sheldon GayIn this thought-provoking episode of Embracing Intensity, Aurora sits down with Sheldon Gay, host of the I Must Be BUG'N podcast, which amplifies the stories and voices of Black, unidentified, underrepresented, gifted, and otherwise neurodivergent people. Sheldon is deeply insightful, warm, and grounded in his advocacy to humanize the neurodivergent experience. Together, they dive into the power of mirroring—that magical moment when we see ourselves reflected in others—and how it plays a crucial role in identity, belonging, and connection. Sheldon shares his personal journey discovering his giftedness later in life and how joining neurodivergent spaces offe...
2025-06-0237 min
Embracing Intensity284: Breaking Through Burnout w/ Brendan MahanThis week on the Embracing Intensity podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome back the always thoughtful and illuminating Brendan Mahan, founder of ADHD Essentials and creator of the Wall of Awful. In this free-flowing and deeply relatable conversation, we dive into the realities of ADHD burnout, navigating screen time, and what it really means to rest. Brendan and I both share personally about our own experiences with burnout and recovery, and how we're learning to work with our neurodivergent brains instead of against them. About Brendan Mahan: Brendan Mahan is a speaker, coach, and host of...
2025-04-221h 00
Embracing Intensity283: Empowering Neurodivergent Voices w/ Fizzah ZaidiIn this inspiring episode of Embracing Intensity, I'm joined by the vibrant and insightful Fizzah Zaidi, a psychotherapist based in Chicago who works with adults with ADHD, especially those navigating high-pressure environments like tech and finance. We originally connected at an ADHD conference over boots and breakfast, and I'm so excited to bring her energy and wisdom to the podcast! Fizzah shares her journey from a creative career in animation to becoming a mental health professional, her passion for social justice, and how she uses her intensity to empower her clients. Together, we explore what it means...
2025-04-0733 min
Embracing Intensity282. Navigating Neurodivergent Burnout After a bit of a break from long-form content, I'm so excited to be back with a solo episode that's deeply personal and incredibly timely. I've missed connecting with you more intimately through the podcast and am looking forward to bringing you more episodes like this in the coming months. Lately, I've been diving into the topic of neurodivergent burnout, something I've experienced firsthand and that I know many of you can relate to. I've written two blog posts on the topic and shared a companion video on YouTube—and even tested out long-form content on TikTok fo...
2025-03-1115 min
Embracing Intensity281: Reclaiming Your Worth & Collective Liberation with Caroline J. SumlinIn this episode of Embracing Intensity, host Aurora Remember sits down with Caroline J. Sumlin, author of We'll All Be Free: How a Culture of White Supremacy Devalues Us and How We Can Reclaim Our True Worth. Together, they explore the intersection of intensity, self-worth, and collective liberation. Caroline shares her journey from feeling like she was "too much" to reclaiming her intensity as a gift. They dive into how societal systems—especially those rooted in white supremacy—fuel perfectionism, hustle culture, and the feeling of never being good enough. This conversation is both deeply personal and acti...
2025-02-1851 min
Embracing Intensity280: Celebrating Neurodivergence and Authenticity with Sheldon GayIn this episode of Embracing Intensity, I'm thrilled to welcome Sheldon Gay, host of the I Must Be Buggin' podcast. Sheldon brings his insightful perspective on navigating life as a late-identified gifted and neurodivergent individual. His podcast and work are dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and empowering others to embrace their unique identities. We explore the challenges and beauty of being true to oneself in a world that often misunderstands intensity, neurodivergence, and giftedness. Sheldon's passion for self-discovery, emotional depth, and compassionate communication shines through in this powerful conversation. About Sheldon: Sheldon Gay...
2025-01-191h 02
Embracing Intensity279: The Science of Writing to Heal w/ Nneka DeniseThe Science of Writing to Heal with Nneka Denise In this episode of Embracing Intensity, we're excited to share the Q&A portion of our powerful conversation with Nneka Denise, founder of the Write to Heal Project. This discussion offers timely tools and insights as we reflect on letting go of the past year and preparing for a fresh, intentional start in the new year. Nneka shares her transformative approach to healing through writing, addressing grief not only as it relates to loss but also to life transitions, personal growth, and emotional clarity. Whether you're...
2024-12-1733 min
Embracing Intensity278: Nonviolent Communication w/ Bob YamtichIn this highly engaging episode of the Embracing Intensity podcast, host Aurora Remember Holtzman dives deep into the world of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) with Bob Yamtich, a seasoned practitioner with over 20 years of experience. Bob shares how NVC has shaped his approach to relationships, parenting, and self-understanding, particularly as a neurodivergent individual. This conversation is packed with practical insights and tools for those seeking to enhance their self-connection and interpersonal communication. About Bob Yamtich: Bob Yamtich is a dedicated Nonviolent Communication trainer, therapist, and engineer. His journey into NVC began after his career as an...
2024-11-2530 min
Embracing Intensity277: Navigating Healthy Relationships w/ Heather Boorman-MorrisThis episode of the Embracing Intensity podcast, features a detailed conversation with Heather Borman Morris about understanding narcissistic relationships and how they uniquely affect gifted and neurodivergent individuals. Heather, a clinical social worker, shares her personal experience with narcissistic abuse, providing insights on identifying covert narcissism versus mere intense interest, particularly in neurodivergent or twice-exceptional individuals. The discussion delves into strategies for recognizing and managing toxic relationships, differentiating between narcissism and authentic behaviors, and emphasizes the need for understanding personal boundaries and fostering healthy relationships post-abuse. The episode also introduces Heather's work, including her book 'A Thousand Paper Cuts...
2024-10-0844 min
Embracing Intensity276: Neurodivergent Leadership w/ Marc AlmodovarIn this enriching episode, Aurora hosts Marc, who shares his profound insights on neurodivergent leadership. Marc introduces himself by recounting his journey with ADHD, from his early school years to receiving his diagnosis at 16. This pivotal moment spurred him to embrace and understand his unique brain function, leading to his certification as an ADHD life coach. Marc speaks proudly of founding the Men's ADHD Support Group, a 501c3 nonprofit with over 17,000 members, aiming to empower men with ADHD. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging the inherent strengths of neurodivergent individuals rather than conforming to societal norms. Marc's empathetic and...
2024-09-1626 min
Embracing Intensity275: The Healing Power of Music w/ Princess FortierThis week on the Embracing Intensity podcast, host Aurora discusses the transformative power of music with guest Princess Fortier. Princess shares her personal journey of using singing to alleviate her chronic migraines, which began at the age of 13. Despite initially pursuing neuroscience to find a medical cure, she discovered that singing provided significant relief from her symptoms. Aurora and Princess delve into how music can relax, heal, and foster emotional well-being, particularly for those with neurodivergent traits like ADHD and autism. They also explore the importance of community in musical healing practices and offer practical advice for using music...
2024-08-1225 min
Embracing Intensity274: Restful RestIn this solo episode, I delve into my personal journey of overcoming a prolonged burnout to explore the concept of truly restful rest. I discuss the five areas of energy balance—physical, emotional, mental, social, and connection—from my 'Balancing Your Time and Energy' workbook. Through my experience, including the importance of joy-driven activities, social connections, and the INCUP (Interest, Novelty, Challenge, Urgency, and Passion) framework, I provide practical advice on how to replenish energy reserves effectively. Also, discover the value of doing an energy audit to identify draining versus energizing activities. Learn more about my strategies for achieving genu...
2024-07-1522 min
Embracing Intensity273: Exploring Self-Connection w/ Bob YamtichIn this episode of the Embracing Intensity podcast, host Aurora Remember Holtzman interviews Bob Yamtich about his journey with intensity, nonviolent communication (NVC), and self-connection. Bob shares his personal experiences with bipolar disorder and hypomania, the importance of shared reality, and his passion for self-connection. He discusses his work, including his self-connection coloring book, and provides insights into the practice of NVC for both self-awareness and enhancing interpersonal communication. Aurora and Bob also delve into the challenges and rewards of forming in-person connections and the role of intensity in their lives. The episode concludes with Bob's emphasis on the...
2024-06-0429 min
Embracing Intensity272. Creativity as Self Care w/ Sharon BurtonThis week on Embracing Intensity, we share part of our call with Sharon J. Burton on "Creativity as Self-Care." Sharon delves into a chapter from her upcoming book "Creative Sparks" that explores how embracing creativity can be a powerful form of self-care. Through affirmations, inspiration, and practical tips, Sharon will guide attendees on how to use their creative talents to nurture their well-being, reduce stress, and cultivate a more mindful and fulfilling life. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the transformative power of creativity in self-care practices. Join us for an engaging discussion with Sharon, a...
2024-05-1356 min
Embracing Intensity271: The Importance of Play w/ Boontarika SripomJoin us in a profound exploration of fun, creativity, and self-care in our latest Embracing Intensity Podcast episode with special guest Boontarika Sripom. Dive deep into the significance of play in nurturing personal growth and bringing joy into our lives, especially for the intensely creative and gifted. Boontarika, a life coach with a passion for play and a background in clinical psychology and human development, shares her insights on how engaging in playful activities can foster innovation, relieve stress, and support our overall well-being. Discover the psychological foundations of play, its role in human development, and how to incorporate...
2024-04-2947 min
Embracing Intensity270: Intensity & Harmony w/ Princess FortierIn this engaging conversation, Aurora sits down with the multi-talented Princess Fortier, a beacon of inspiration in the journey of embracing one's intensity. Princess shares her remarkable story, from neuroscientist to singer and model, highlighting how music became her tool for healing and transforming her life. Together, they delve into the themes of harnessing personal intensity, pursuing passions beyond conventional boundaries, and the power of gratitude journaling. Princess's insight provides a riveting exploration of living life unbounded and the beauty of connecting deeply with one's passions. Join us as we uncover the synergy between harmony and intensity, and discover...
2024-04-0846 min
Embracing Intensity269: Dismantling Patriarchy Through Play w/ Jeff HarryIn this thought-provoking podcast episode, Jeff and Aurora delve deep into the topic of dismantling patriarchy through play. They explore the impact of societal norms on individuals, the role of neurodivergence in challenging the status quo, and the importance of celebrating uniqueness. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, they highlight the power of embracing one's intensity and fostering connections through play. Stay tuned to gain valuable insights on creating a more inclusive and empathetic world through intentional actions and meaningful engagement. The podcast discussion delves into the intersection of play, patriarchy, neurodiversity, and societal norms. Jeff and...
2024-03-1834 min
Embracing Intensity268: Embracing the Power of Emotional Intensity with Christine FonsecaThis week on Embracing Intensity, we share an enlightening conversation with award-winning author and licensed educational psychologist, Christine Fonseca. In this episode of our podcast, our host, Aurora, delves into an enriching conversation with Fonseca, exploring her insights on emotional intensity, mental health, giftedness, and our inherent human complexities. Fonseca, a gifted adult herself, opens up about her experiences, passions, and various interests that set her apart. The discussion probes the depths of dealing with intense emotions, overcoming personal challenges, and handling burnout. The highlight of the conversation is Fonseca's perspective on the full spectrum of human e...
2024-03-0447 min
Embracing Intensity267: Building Confidence & Resilience w/ CoCo LearyIn this episode of the Embracing Intensity Podcast, we bring you an inspiring conversation with Cosette "Coco" Leary. Coco's gripping story takes us on a journey from her days as a welfare recipient to eventually becoming a celebrated motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Her story is laced with determination, resilience, and overcoming adversity to redefine herself on her own terms. Join us as we delve into Coco's remarkable life journey. Coco candidly shares her life from being a welfare recipient to ascending to the realms of high-profile activism and motivational speaking. We learn about her early struggles with...
2024-02-1955 min
Embracing Intensity266: Navigating Intensity Through a Cultural Lens w/ Kaitlin SmithIn this episode of the Embracing Intensity Podcast, host Aurora interviews Kaitlin Smith, a scholar, facilitator, and founder of Our Wild Minds. Kaitlin shares her journey as a gifted BIPOC individual, her work in supporting gifted adults, and her research on the history of mind sciences. Join Aurora and Kaitlin as they explore the intersections between intensity, cultural dynamics, and personal growth. In this interview, Aurora and Kaitlin delve into Kaitlin's experiences as a gifted BIPOC individual, the challenges she faced growing up, and the cultural factors that affected her self-expression. They discuss how Kaitlin uses her...
2024-02-0641 min
Embracing Intensity265: Play as a Tool for Decolonizing Neurodivergence w/ Dr. Kimberly DouglassIn this age of rapid and overwhelming information, how does one choose what is important to learn? Opportunities to play are opportunities to learn. Play allows us to imagine ourselves in different realities, in different worlds where the rules are different, where we can be different. In these alternate worlds, we can demand more for ourselves. In these worlds, we can identify our needs and build rules and systems to meet our deepest needs. Just as someone imagined the world you see around you right now; the one in which neurodivergent needs go largely unmet - through play, we...
2024-01-2235 min
Embracing Intensity264: Overcoming Perfectionism: Building Self-Compassion for Gifted and Neurodivergent AdultsAre you a gifted or neurodivergent perfectionist struggling to overcome the damaging effects of perfectionism? In this episode of the Embracing Intensity podcast, host Aurora Remember Holtzman invites special guest Aileen Kelleher, a therapist and life coach, to delve into the topic of overcoming perfectionism. Together, they explore the intersection between perfectionism and giftedness and discuss the various ways in which perfectionism can impact our lives. From high expectations and low self-esteem to time limits and parental expectations, Aurora and Aileen shed light on the challenges faced by perfectionists and provide practical strategies for managing perfectionistic tendencies a...
2024-01-0931 min
Embracing Intensity263: Navigating Intimacy and Neurodivergence: A Conversation with CatieosaurusIn this episode of the "Embracing Intensity" podcast, host Aurora brings on a special guest, Cate Osburn, better known on social media as Catieosaurus. As a certified sex educator with an emphasis on neurodivergency and intimacy, Cate sparks much-needed conversations, tackling topics others often shy away from. With her unique insights drawn from personal experiences and her role as a sex educator, she brings a nuanced understanding of how neurodivergency can interact with intimacy and sex. Throughout the episode, Cate and Aurora, among other topics, delve into the intersection of neurodivergence and intimacy, discuss the impacts of...
2023-12-0542 min
Embracing Intensity262: Burnout RecoveryThis week on Embracing Intensity, I share my experience with the physical and emotional exhaustion that comes with severe burnout. In this episode, I share updates on my personal life that have contributed to burnout, dive into my recovery process and discuss how to overcome burnout symptoms. I also share a preview of what I have coming up as I recover from burnout this summer! Burnout can affect every aspect of your life, from your job to your personal relationships. It's important to recognize the signs of burnout early on and take the necessary steps to address...
2023-07-3118 min
Embracing Intensity261: ADHD Productivity w/ Arianna BradfordThis week, we talk with Arianna Bradford, an ADHD productivity coach, about the best ways for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to boost productivity in their daily lives. We cover a range of topics, from common symptoms of ADHD and organizational strategies to productivity hacks and the Pomodoro technique. Arianna shares her expertise on how to set specific goals and prioritize tasks, as well as how to use the right tools and resources to get the most out of your work mode. We also discuss the importance of taking breaks and transitioning between tasks, as well...
2023-06-091h 00
Embracing Intensity260: Play as Self-Care w/ Rukshana TriemNever Leave the Playground In this episode, where we delve into the importance of self-care in our daily lives. Whether it's through mindfulness practices, physical exercise, or leisure time activities, taking care of our emotional and physical health is crucial for a better quality of life. From diaphragmatic breathing to bike rides, we explore different self-care practices that can help us manage daily stressors and negative emotions without relying on prescription medication. We also discuss how self-care can benefit young people, families, and individuals with mental illnesses. Join us as we share new ideas and small steps towards creating...
2023-04-1831 min
Embracing Intensity259: Seeing Life Differently w/ Zaakirah MuhammadSeeing Life Differently In this episode, Zaakirah Muhammad joins us to discuss mindfulness, gratitude and how these practices can help to craft a more meaningful life in her talk on Seeing Life Through a Different Lens: Mindfulness and Gratitude as a Creative. She talks about how one can use visualizing, setting goals and forming a strong support system to help achieve their dreams. Zaakirah also shares some of her personal stories and how she has worked to create meaningful relationships and find her true self. In addition, she talks about the role of culture and how one...
2023-03-0727 min
Embracing Intensity258: Overcome Burnout w/ Dr. Zarya RubinOvercome Burnout Welcome to From Burnout to Brilliance, a talk that explores the best ways to manage work-related stress and overcome burnout. In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Zarya Rubin, a Harvard trained MD turned functional medicine health coach, who will be sharing her insights and expertise on this important topic. With the World Health Organization recognizing job burnout as a medical diagnosis, it's more important than ever to pay attention to the signs of burnout, particularly for those in stressful jobs such as health care workers and first responders. With long hours, heavy...
2023-02-1345 min
Embracing Intensity257: Gifted Kid Burnout w/ CatieosaurusExploring Gifted Kid Burnout Gifted kid burnout affects many smart kids and former gifted students who were once in gifted programs. As young adults, they often share a common theme of feeling burnt out and struggling with unrealistic expectations. The pressure to always achieve gold star grades and be at the top of the class can be overwhelming. Gifted programs, often found in grade schools and even at the national level, focus on high achievement and a fixed trait of being "gifted." But what happens when these young adults, who were once in gifted classes and AP...
2023-01-1642 min
Embracing Intensity256: Finding Neurodivergent Community with Marc AlmodovarThe importance of neurodivergent community Neurodivergent individuals are those who think, process information, and experience the world in ways that differ from the neurotypical (i.e., not neurodivergent) population. The neurodiversity movement advocates for the recognition and celebration of neurodiversity as a natural and valuable form of human diversity, similar to cultural, racial, or gender diversity. Neurodivergence is an important facet of the human race. It seeks to create a more inclusive and accepting society for neurodivergent people. Finding neurodivergent community can play a crucial role in connecting with other like-minded folks. There are many different ways...
2023-01-0724 min
Embracing Intensity255: Tidying Up Your Brain, Marie Condo Style w/ Nadja CarghettiAs neurodivergent creatives, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with too much stuff both in our environment and in our minds. We may be overrun with office supplies, craft supplies, and/or miscellaneous things that support our hyperfixations or latest hyperfocus. The ADHD brain is especially prone to mental clutter, and when our environment is a mess it's even harder to quiet our thoughts. On our last guest call, Nadja Carghetti shared how you can use Marie Kondo's approach to tidy your brain! Many people think you are either tidy or untidy, but the good news is that...
2022-11-1544 min
Embracing Intensity254: Self-Advocacy w/ Dr. Matt ZakreskiBuilding Self-Advocacy This week on Embracing Intensity, we share our talk with Dr. Matt Zakreski on self-advocacy skills. Self-advocacy is an important skill that can help you take charge of your own life and move toward greater freedom, fulfillment, and happiness. In this episode, we'll explore the concept of self-advocacy and how it can help us feel more empowered in our own daily life. The goal of self-advocacy is to actively advocate on your own behalf to get your needs met. To be a strong self-advocate, you have to have a clear understanding of your own needs...
2022-10-1035 min
Embracing Intensity253: Decolonizing Neurodivergence w/ Dr. Kimberly DouglassI am so thrilled to get to share Dr. Kimberly Douglass' talk on Decolonizing Neurodivergence! From Violence to Love Do you ever wonder why we get into loops on social media platforms when we talk about neurodivergence? We have convinced ourselves this conversation is just about validating each other and understanding the traits of various conditions. The very definition of what it means to be neurodivergent is rooted in colonialist thinking and behavior. It's clear to me: we don't want to talk about the hard changes we have to make to ourselves, to our self-image; the hard...
2022-09-261h 05
2022-06-0705 min
Embracing Intensity251: Neurodivergence and Queerness with Leela SinhaToday's episode is a recording of our talk with Leela Sinha on the intersection of neurodivergence and gender. This is definitely not an "inside-the-box" topic. You can find the full discussion in the Embracing Intensity community at community@embracingintensity.com. Show Highlights: The overlap between autism and gender diversity How neurodivergence is defined as a very broad umbrella term for the different ways that people's brains function Why the definition of queerness has changed over time but is still used as an umbrella term The overlap between queerness and neurodivergence How growing up with a different se...
2022-05-2337 min
Embracing Intensity250: Passive Income and Side Hustles with Sadie SmileyWe all have our "beyond our wildest imagination" dreams that we never realistically hope to achieve. This is not true for today's guest. She truly is living her dream in a place she never thought possible, and she's teaching others to reach for the unimaginable also. Join us to learn more! Sadie Smiley created Passive Income Pathways, where she gives expert advice about online businesses and how passive income can help achieve your wildest goals. She pushes people to learn how to make full-time money with part-time work, teaching them to "create, sell, kick ass, and repeat."
2022-05-0943 min
Embracing Intensity249: Outside-the-Box: Thinking About Time Management with Emily Roach-GriffinToday's episode is a recording from last fall about time management from a neurodivergent perspective. We are joined on the guest call by Emily Roach-Griffin, who is ADHD and gifted, and her insights resonate soundly with many of us. She is a business coach and speaker at BizBFF who loves helping business owners and those with an entrepreneurial spirit to build businesses and lives they love. Join us to hear Emily's nuggets of wisdom about practical time management strategies! Show Highlights: Journaling prompts about what's most difficult about time management Why time management should b...
2022-04-271h 01
Embracing Intensity248: Tap into Your Intuition with Cam Werley-GonzalesToday's show carries a timely message for those of us who returned to work or school after the anxiety-ridden shutdown of the pandemic. As we try to move forward, many of us still face anxiety and burnout. My guest's message of tapping into your intuition and doing things outside the box is relevant to almost everyone. Join us to learn more! Cam Werley-Gonzales is an intuitive, living visionary, gifted embodiment expert, and intuitive unschooling catalyst. She is the owner of the Cambria Institute, a company that celebrates learning and living fully outside the proverbial education "b...
2022-04-1148 min
Embracing Intensity247: Drama vs. Passion with Alexandra LovesToday's episode is the Embracing Intensity Community Call with guest speaker Alexandra Loves. The topic is Drama vs. Passion, which is highly relevant to intense people. I'm excited to share this with you! You can find the full discussion at www.community.embracingintensity.com. As I'm working hard to finish out this school year, I am busy behind the scenes with some great projects planned for this coming summer and fall, and I'll be sharing more about those later. Enjoy the call with Alexandra! Show Highlights: How Alexandra defines the concept of d...
2022-03-2829 min
Embracing Intensity246: Rising Up Against Imposter Syndrome with Kate ArmsImposter syndrome is something that most people have felt at some point or another. Intense people may feel this in magnified ways, as the world tells them they are not welcome as they are. Join us on this guest call to learn more! Kate Arms is a return guest to the show, and I'm thrilled to welcome her back for this guest call. Kate is a classic overthinker, high achiever, and multipotentiality who exudes intensity. Her career has spanned being a lawyer, arts administrator, coach for gifted and twice-exceptional adults and parents of gifted and twice-exceptional kids...
2022-03-1425 min
Embracing Intensity245: Educating Gifted Students and Their Families with Barry GelstonToday's show focuses on the twice-exceptional experience. As with so many people in this line of work, my guest looks to provide for students and families the help and support that he needed–and didn't have as he grew up. Join us to learn more! Barry Gelston is the president of GHF, Gifted Home Education Forum. They do amazing work with gifted and twice-exceptional families. Barry is an educator through "Mr. Gelston's One Room Schoolhouse," an online homeschool program focused on providing individualized educational services for gifted and 2E learners. In this episode, we enjoyed dis...
2022-02-2840 min
Embracing Intensity244: Giftedness, Twice-Exceptionality, Autism and ADD within the Overexcitability FrameworkToday's show looks at the differences and overlap of giftedness, twice-exceptionality, autism, and ADHD within the overexcitability framework. Join us to learn more! Chris Wells is a writer, therapist, and researcher on all things Dabrowski. She has a nuanced take on the concept of overexcitability, a topic on which she has focused much time, energy, and study. Chris is our first three-time guest on the podcast, having appeared most recently to discuss positive disintegration. Let's hear more from Chris! In this episode: How Chris came to overexcitability in 2014 on her qu...
2022-02-1448 min
Embracing Intensity243: A Difference-Maker in the World of NeurodivergenceToday's show introduces you to a difference-maker in the world of neurodivergence. Her collective endeavors to advocate for kids, parents, and families are truly making a difference. Join us to learn more! Debbie Reber is an author, speaker, and parenting activist. In 2016, she founded Tilt Parenting, a website, top podcast, and online community aimed at helping parents raise differently wired kids from a place of confidence, connection, and joy. Debbie's most recent book is Differently Wired: A Parent's Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope. In this episode: Get t...
2022-01-2442 min
Embracing Intensity242: My Most Downloaded Shows of 2021Welcome to 2022! In today's solo episode, I'm reviewing some of our most downloaded episodes from 2021 and sharing our upcoming guest speaker series and topics already scheduled for this year. It's going to be a great year, so come along for the ride with me! Show Highlights: The countdown of our top ten most downloaded episodes from 2021: #10: Ep. 231 Intuitive Flow with Kari Betton Our July Guest Call was on Intuitive Flow and Creativity. Kari is a coach and mentor for highly sensitive and twice-exceptional people, and she has a passion for helping them find their innate...
2022-01-1013 min
Embracing Intensity241: Making Room for the Voices of Others with Aileen KelleherToday's guest has wonderful Instagram posts, many of them covering her work with twice-exceptional adults. I'm a fan of hers, and she's a fan of the podcast, so it's exciting to introduce her to the Embracing Intensity audience! Aileen Kelleher is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and coach. Her therapy practice in Chicago specializes in helping gifted and twice-exceptional children build social-emotional skills, self-compassion, and confidence to recover from anxiety, depression, and other mental health difficulties. Her international coaching practice focuses on helping gifted and 2E women harness their talents to help them find f...
2022-01-1039 min
Embracing Intensity[Rerun] Twice Exceptional Relationships w/ Dr. Melanie HayesContinuing our top 2019 reruns. This has been one of our top episodes from it's very start! 2019 was our first year of guest speakers, and we took a break for 2020 but had a great run in 2021. I'm super excited about our upcoming 2022 series especially because all of my top choices got back to me right away and agreed to speak. I'm still waiting on a few scheduling clarifications, but I'm pleased to announce that Jan. 22 we will have Leela Sinha, author of "You're Not Too Much" talk about the Intersection of Queerness and Neurodivergence, and Feb 19th we'll have Alexandra...
2021-12-2334 minEmbracing Intensity[Rerun] Gifted AND ADHD?Continuing our top 2019 reruns. One of my most popular topics is twice exceptionality, especially as it relates to ADHD. This is what prompted my work in sharing stories of twice exceptionality on YouTube and my upcoming 2E Comics. I'll be launching a Kickstarter in the new year to help fund support with illustration so I can make it happen with my limited time! Coincidentally, this episode features input from Brendan Mahan of ADHD Essentials, and he just shared his most recent episode with me on twice exceptionality this week! Go listen to "Giftedness is Not Achievement w...
2021-12-1315 min
ADHD EssentialsGiftedness is Not Achievement with Aurora Remember Holtzman
Today, we’re talking to Aurora Remember Holtzman. Aurora is a school psychologist, neurodivergence coach, and host of the Embracing Intensity podcast. And her focus is giftedness and twice exceptionality.
In today’s episode, Aurora discusses just that – giftedness and twice exceptionality! She talks to us about the challenges of twice exceptionality, how ADHD and giftedness can mask each other, executive function fatigue and burnout, common challenges for the gifted, and why giftedness should not be confused with achievement.
>>>The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups
2021-12-1137 min
Embracing Intensity[Rerun] On Positive Disintegration w/ Chris WellsContinuing the tradition of reruns for the month of December, and this month I'll be sharing some of my top episodes from 2019. The top guest episode was on Positive Disintegration w/ Chris Wells, and she has a new podcast on the topic that just came out recently! You can find the discussion recording and her latest talk on Overexitabilities in the Embracing Intensity Community. Kazmiers Dabrowski was an early proponent of what we now call the neurodiversity movement. He asserted that what was viewed as "neuroses" were not an illness, but in fact a sign of high...
2021-12-0645 min
Embracing Intensity240: A Grown-Up Gifted Kid Helping People Through Therapy and Training with Dr. Matt ZakreskiI first met today's guest when he enthusiastically shared some of my animated shorts on 2E experiences. We have followed each other, and I'm a big fan of his advocacy work. Join us to learn more! Dr. Matt Zakreski is a psychologist who works with gifted and twice-exceptional folks. We have connected over social media, and I'm excited to talk to him today and introduce him to the Embracing Intensity audience. Show Highlights: How Matt is intensely passionate about his experience as a "grown-up gifted kid," helping people thr...
2021-11-0840 min
Embracing Intensity239: Perspectives in Giftedness with Gail PostIf you or someone you love is a gifted person, you understand that it can complicate many situations in life. It's wonderful to know that empathetic and supportive professionals are dedicating their lives to advocacy for these individuals. Join me to learn more about one such psychotherapist in today's episode! Gail Post is a clinical psychologist, parenting coach, workshop leader, and writer. In clinical practice for over 35 years, she provides psychotherapy in the Philadelphia area with a focus on the needs of the intellectually and musically gifted. Gail does consultations with educators and psychotherapists and parent coaching...
2021-10-2545 min
Embracing Intensity[Bonus] 5th Anniversary!We are celebrating our 5th anniversary of the Embracing Intensity Podcast by sharing past guests, listeners and community members answer to the question "What does Embracing Intensity mean to me? I'm also launching my new website at EmbracingIntensity.com - go check it out and explore!
2021-10-1731 min
Embracing Intensity238: Happy 5th Anniversary and The G Word FilmThe podcast is marking a huge milestone this week as we celebrate our 5th anniversary! In today's show, we go outside the box as we discuss the importance of storytelling when it comes to giftedness, equity, identity, and inclusion. Join us to learn more! Marc Smolowitz is a previous guest on the show, and I'm thrilled to have him back to talk about one of his projects, The G Word film. Marc is a multi-award-winning director, producer, and executive producer who has been involved in more than 50 independent films. His works have touched viewers on five continents...
2021-10-1149 min
Embracing Intensity237: Passionate about Equality for Neurodiverse PeopleI'm excited to introduce you to today's guest. She's a highly esteemed expert in the area of neuroscience and twice-exceptionality. Join us to learn more! Dr. Nicole Tetreault is a compassionate author, meditation teacher, and international speaker on neurodiversity, neurodevelopment, creativity, mental health, and wellness. Her book, Insight into a Bright Mind, explores groundbreaking research examining the experiences of unique, creative, and intense brains while advocating for new directions of human diversity and neurodiversity. Nicole is the founder of Awesome Neuroscience and translates the most promising neuroscience and positive psychology for people to live their best life...
2021-09-2744 min
Embracing Intensity236: Gifted and 2E AssessmentToday's solo episode is about a topic that I've thought about for a long time, so I'm happy to bring it to you. We will discuss getting an assessment as a gifted or twice-exceptional adult, so I hope you find it helpful for me to share my thoughts and tips. Show Highlights: Considerations that are universal to all assessment types: If you think you are gifted, you probably are. Make sure the person doing the evaluation has experience with giftedness and twice-exceptionality. Realize that every assessment will have limitations and strengths, and every evaluator will have...
2021-09-1333 min
Embracing Intensity235: Playing with Your Inner CriticToday's show lets you listen to our recent group call with Jeff Harry of Rediscover Your Play. Jeff helps us with tips, insights, and interactive exercises to learn more about "Playing With Your Inner Critic." Join us to learn more! Jeff Harry is a Workplace Play Consultant, International Play Speaker, and Positive Psychology Play Coach. He helps individuals and companies navigate difficult conversations and address their most challenging issues using play and positive psychology. While we spend most of our time pretending to be important, serious grownups, it's when we let go of that facade and just...
2021-08-301h 15
Embracing Intensity234: Craving the Yum After ChemotherapyToday's guest is truly a multipotentialite with interests spanning gender nonconformity, psychology, healthy eating, photography, and the creative arts. He has discovered ways to embrace his creativity and merge his talents to offer meaningful help to others in their struggles. Join us to learn more! Greg Halpen is a food blogger and food photographer who created the food blog, Craving the Yum: Eating After Chemo. Chemotherapy can do a number on our palates, leaving our taste buds desensitized and frustrated about what to eat that actually tastes good. Greg gives chemotherapy patients the steps and practical tools...
2021-08-1630 min
Embracing Intensity233. 2E ConnectionI didn't promote last week's episode very much because I got super deep into the rabbit hole on a new project that really. Kind of pulls together a lot of the little projects that I've been doing in this past year. It's called 2E Connection, and it's a directory for twice exceptional folks to share, explore and find support! In this episode: What inspired me to create 2E Connection A sneak peak at some of the content so far How you can support keeping this free site accessible AND sustainable Links: 2...
2021-08-1020 min
Embracing Intensity232: Chromesthesia, ADHD, Music and TikTokMy guest today was diagnosed with ADHD and twice-exceptionality later in life. We have connected through TikTok and are learning a lot from each other. He demonstrates kind accountability in his TikTok posts and shows authenticity in his longer YouTube posts that I greatly appreciate. Join us to hear his unique perspective. Sean Szolek-Van Valkenburgh grew up in Indiana surrounded by orchestral, classical, and contemporary music. His formal musical education began at age 7 when he started studying piano and performing in choral ensembles. As his musical education progressed, he noticed that he had the unusual gift of...
2021-08-0228 min
Embracing Intensity231. Intuitive Flow with Kari BettonOur July Guest Call was on Intuitive Flow & Creativity with Kari Betton About Kari: Kari Betton is a coach and mentor for highly sensitive and twice-exceptional people, with a passion for helping them find their innate sense of intuitive flow. Too often, we can be focused on developing our mental health, physical health, intellect, etc, but including intuitive development in our personal development practice creates an easier foundation for all types of development within you to be congruent with each other. A personal intuitive wandering practice can have profound implications on...
2021-07-2735 min
Embracing Intensity230: Twice-Exceptional Speech Therapist and the Autistic CommunityI'm excited to introduce you to a speech therapist whose work is informed by the autistic community and her personal experience in identifying as twice-exceptional. Her heart and passion are to help give a voice to those who can't speak for themselves. Join us! Mara McLoughlin has over ten years of professional experience working with autistic and other neurodivergent people and their families. She has been a student and teacher of yoga and mindfulness for over 25 years, knowing that building these skills can help build a better world. She is a certified provider of the PEERS program...
2021-07-1942 min
Embracing Intensity229: Thinking PatternsA while back I had seen a lot of posts about the overlap and similarities between ADHD and Autism, and it got me thinking about some observations I'd made both personally and professionally testing neurodivergent kids over the years. I posted this tweet asking folks the following questions: Curious with the #Autism vs. #ADHD discussions recently, if you have one or both, what do you relate to more: Big Picture vs. Details Order vs. Chaos Think in Words vs. Pictures Acquired Knowledge vs. Novel Problem Solving Process Fast vs. Slow Elaboration Welcome
2021-07-1327 min
Embracing Intensity228: Twice Exceptional Mental Health Advocate and BloggerI met today's guest through the neurodivergent community on Twitter. Join us to learn more about his inspiring story. Joseph Gitau is a writer, singer, and blogger who has been diagnosed with ADHD and Bipolar I. With his childhood and youth being spent between his native Kenya and the US, he has a unique perspective about how neurodivergence is treated differently in both countries. Joseph uses his talents to promote mental health throughout his creative outlets. Show Highlights: Why Joseph is intensely passionate about mental health and the arts How Joseph's personal brand of...
2021-07-051h 04Embracing Intensity227. Into the Dork Web with Jen Sujin YoonToday's conversation is with a creative who has overcome obstacles to find her place in the world where she isn't afraid to be seen and heard. She helps others connect and engage, no matter how they have been "othered" by society, and she has learned how to effectively use her superpowers. Join us to learn more about making the world a brighter place for us all. Jen Sujin Yoon is a creative consultant, storyteller, people-connector, and future-builder. We met on TikTok and immediately vibed with each other's content. Jen is starting a new adventure as she launches...
2021-06-2849 min
Embracing Intensity226. Asyncronous Development in Gifted Adults w/ Tiffany ChhuomOur June Guest Call was on Asynchronous Development in Gifted Adults with Tiffany Chhuom. Asynchronous development is a hallmark of the gifted experience, when we may have developed far ahead of our peers in some areas, and behind in others. This can continue into adulthood, especially for those who are also twice exceptional, and impact many aspects of our life experience. About Tiffany: Tiffany Chhuom, MPH, MSW is the owner of EthTech, a healthcare consulting and training firm for the Digital Era, and Lucy in the Sky Therapy, an on-line private practice for...
2021-06-2243 min
Embracing Intensity225. LabelsWe had our first neurodivergent book club on Saturday, and one of the things we talked about was the complexity of labels. On the one hand, they serve as a tool to get information, support and connect with others, but it can also serve to separate us into "us and them" if we're not careful. In this episode: Why I avoided using the terms gifted and twice exceptional for so long, and why it's helped to finally use them. Just because we can get by without a label, doesn't mean it wouldn't be helpful. Being in bot...
2021-06-1518 min
Embracing Intensity224: Breaking the Stress CycleToday's show is all about taking a holistic approach to achieve balance and take back control of your life. Join us to learn more. Zarya Rubin is a physician and functional medicine health coach. She is a formerly stressed-out mom who now helps women in mid-life get to the root of their health issues and manage their stress to take back control of their lives. Show Highlights: What is stress? The relationship between stress, control, and our response to stressors The body's primal response: fight, flight, or freeze Zarya explains her self-care graphic and...
2021-06-0749 min
Embracing Intensity223: ExcitabilityThe foundation of my work on my blog and podcast has been about intensity, and it's origins came from my work on excitability, also known as over excitability. Excitability is when you receive and respond the world more intensely than others. In this episode: Excitability as a sign of high developmental potential The 5 areas of excitability Using your strengths Links: Free workbook on Harnessing the Power of Your Intensity! Embracing Intensity Community
2021-06-0113 min
Embracing Intensity222: TV Writing, Art, Comics and More with Shadi PetoskyToday's show is with yet another intriguing person I met on TikTok. I'm especially interested in her experience with twice-exceptionality and the work she's doing in TV. Shadi Petosky is an Emmy winner and Wendy's Employee of the Month-winning TV showrunner. She co-created and showran the Emmy-winning Danger and Eggs for Amazon Prime Video, which was also a Critics Choice and GLAAD nomination. She executive produced Twelve Forever for Netflix and the upcoming live- action, gender-bending sci-fi series Forever Alone with Adaptive Studios. She most recently directed the live-action comedy pilot, Let's Go Atsuko for Quibi, and...
2021-05-2452 minEmbracing Intensity221: Survival ModeI once again had other plans for this episode but I realized I've hit survival mode for the school year. Every year since 8th grade, I've had what I called Spring Fever when I'd crash at the end of the school year. I've come to realize that it's the fatigue that comes from over taxing my executive functioning skills for too long. Add a pandemic, last minute taxes, aging hormones, unfavorable med change and adapting to my son's new schedule getting up earlier Mondays, and my brain's pretty much toast today! In this episode: My...
2021-05-1813 min
Embracing Intensity220: Beyond Traditional Success with Zarya RubinToday's guest had all the markers of traditional success, an Ivy League Education, letters after her name and a well paying career, but she realized she was miserable because she was not being authentic to herself. She broke out of the medical system to help people in a more holistic way. Join us! Dr. Zarya Rubin is a Harvard-educated physician and certified health and wellness coach who is passionate about helping people heal through functional medicine. She partners with her clients to get to the root cause of symptoms and create a roadmap to wellness. ...
2021-05-1038 min
Embracing Intensity219: Positive Disintegration - a Quick OverviewI've observed a lot of themes around integration and disintegration recently so I thought it would be a good time to do a quick overview of Kazmier's Dabrowski's theory of Positive Disintegration. You can find a more comprehensive overview on ep. 154: On Positive Disintegration with Chris Wells, and my Blog Post "Finding Treasure in Ruins." Dabrowski believes that intensity/excitability is a sign of high developmental potential, and neuroses, which we might call neurodiversity, anxiety, existential depression etc., can be positive if they move us towards our higher selves. In this episode: 3 f...
2021-05-0413 min
Embracing Intensity218: Strategies for Success with Maaya HitomiToday's show focuses on strategies for success. My guest combines her late-in-life diagnoses, training, and experience to help clients accomplish their goals. Maaya Hitomi is an ADHD coach and academic strategist who supports ADHD, autistic, and otherwise neurodivergent clients to build strategies for better coping. At Structured Success, Maaya's own coaching and consultation practice, she builds upon her Master's training in psychology, her experience as a coach, and her lived experience as a neurodivergent person. Being ADHD, autistic, and dyslexic herself, Maaya credits her academic and professional success to the coping strategies she learned along the way...
2021-04-2629 min
Embracing Intensity217: wRITE to Heal w/ Nneka CoxeffI'm super thrilled to share the recording of Nneka Coxeff's talk on Writing to Heal from this month's guest community call! You can find the full discussion in the Embracing Intensity Community! The wRITE to Heal Project was developed by founder and editor-in-chief of BLP magazine, Nneka D. Coxeff. As a Master Life Coach and Empowerment Practitioner, she offers transformative writing classes, workshops and wellness retreats to gently guide clients through the raw emotions of grief caused by loss, tragedy and transition. About Nneka: Nneka D. Coxeff is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of...
2021-04-2029 min
Embracing Intensity216: From Taking up Space to Channeling Your Powers with Landon YoungHave you ever felt like you were taking up too much space? My guest today shares how he moved from talking up space wherever he went to channeling his own unique powers to bring out the best in others. Join us! Landon Young is someone I met on TikTok, which is unique as a social media platform that allows people to connect across social groups that might not normally interact. Landon describes himself as a "regular guy" who enjoys what he does as a North American Digital Brand Manager at Nike. Show Highlights: Why...
2021-04-1237 min
Embracing Intensity215: 2E HubThis week is a bit late and short again, but it's for a great reason! I hyper focused on a project the last two days that's ready to share as a collaborative effort! The 2E Hub! A place for gifted, creative and twice exceptional folks to share, learn and explore! Links: 2E Hub Free Workbook on Harnessing the Power of Your Intensity
2021-04-0609 min
Embracing Intensity214: International ADHD Party on Twitter with Ross WattMy guest today shares the keen awareness he's developed of his ADHD diagnosis and how it impacts his life. Join us to hear the story of the good he's doing in the world. Ross Watt hosts the International ADHD Party on Twitter and is one of the ADHD-Hub co-creators. He's working hard to make a difference for kids and adults with ADHD. Show Highlights: Why Ross is intensely passionate about ADHD, writing poems, and encouraging others How Ross' personal brand of intensity means being hyper-focused with a chip on his shoulder and always investigating...
2021-03-291h 07
Embracing Intensity213. Honoring Your Sensitivity with Leah WalshThis week I get to share the talk from our March guest call is on Honoring Your Sensitivity with Leah Walsh. You can find the full discussion and video in the Embracing Intensity Community! In Sanskrit there are 96 words for love. I seriously wish we had that many words in English for the word sensitivity! A word whose origins mean "capable of feeling and sensation," what does being sensitive mean in today's culture? Join us for this creative exploration of sensitivity, how sensitivity is a shared trait across neurodivergent experiences, and how curiosity and community...
2021-03-2233 min
Embracing Intensity212: Support for Highly Sensitive and Introverted Leaders with Leah WalshToday's show focuses on support for highly sensitive and introverted leaders. Join us to learn more! Leah Walsh is a speaker and life coach who is motivated by the desire to support conscious and creative people in uncovering their potential and bringing their light into the world. Leah sees every human as a beautiful and unique flower in life's garden, but she knows that being your own flower can be hard work. It means cultivating a strong mind, deep roots, and a clear heart to allow your flower to grow, adapt, and bloom. Leah's work as a...
2021-03-1554 min
Embracing Intensity211. Hyper FocusThis week's episode is a fairly quick one as I got inspired for a new project this week and went down a hyper focus rabbit hole for days! In this episode: Update on my latest project & upcoming course. Do it yourself mentality. Being a maker, not a marketer. Links: Free Harness Your Power Workbook Adult Learning Assessment Embracing Intensity Community Community Events Calendar
2021-03-0912 min
Embracing Intensity210: Unlocking the World of Twice-Exceptionality with Debbie Steinberg KuntzToday's guest launched into the world of twice-exceptionality because of the unique strengths and challenges that came with parenting her two sons, now teenagers. Her work now meets the needs of kids like her sons, along with helping other parents and educators through her therapy practice, support groups, and parenting programs. Join us to learn more! Debbie Steinberg Kuntz is the founder of the Bright & Quirky Summit, which features fantastic guest speakers and leading experts on "everything twice-exceptional" for parents and educators. Debbie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in twice-exceptional (2E) kids and...
2021-03-0133 minEmbracing Intensity209: The Wall of Awful™ with Brendan MahanI'm excited to share our first guest call for the 2021 season in the Embracing Intensity Community with Brendan Mahan, of ADHD Essentials, on the Wall of Awful! From Brendan's website: "Everyone fails. Some, like those with executive function challenges, fail more than others. Each failure brings negative emotions – guilt, disappointment. These smaller emotions become stronger feelings of anxiety, shame and even loneliness if one is repeatedly rejected because of their errors. Each time these negative emotions are experienced, another brick is placed into that person's Wall of Awful. The Wall of Aw...
2021-02-2348 min
Embracing Intensity208: Coaching and Mentoring Neurodivergent Adults with Dr. Kimberly DouglassI found today's guest in a most unusual place! It was on TikTok that I first noticed her work with gifted and twice-exceptional people, and I knew I had to get her on the show. Dr. Kimberly Douglass is president and CEO of Remote Learning Solutions. She coaches neurodivergent PhDs/EdDs on the personal, social, and technical aspects of career and entrepreneurship. In addition to moving clients from deficit-based to strengths-based thinking, she helps PhDs/EdDs develop content across a range of subjects. She helps clients deliver content in the form of ebooks, online courses, workbooks, journals...
2021-02-151h 14
Embracing Intensity207: But I'm Not Really THAT SmartI've been hearing a lot more comments lately along the lines of "I relate to your work, but I'm not really gifted." In this episode of Embracing Intensity, I discuss why gifted folks might not recognize their own gifts and some resources to explore if you suspect you might be gifted. In this episode: 5 Reasons gifted folks might not think they are really gifted. My own experience and why I actually believed it despite underachievement. 3 of my favorite books & resources to explore potential giftedness. Links: Your Rainforest Mind, Paula Prober The G...
2021-02-0914 min
Embracing Intensity206: Helping Women to Claim their Seats at the Table with Brenda BryanI'm excited to share today's show with you. My guest has an interesting perspective as an obviously gifted person who has dyslexia. Her experience is fascinating, but there is so much more to her story and work. Join us! Brenda Bryan is a kickass inspirational speaker and The Diviner of Human Potential. As a transformational coach and Mastermind facilitator, she supports women to unmask and nurture their genius, empowering them to live in the strength of their passion. Teaching through the Raise Your Voice Speaker's Club, one-on-one workshops, and stages around the country, Brenda demonstrates authentic, warm-hearted...
2021-02-0136 min
Embracing Intensity205: Twice Exceptionality - When Giftedness Meets ADHDA couple of weeks ago I participated in an event called Camp ADHD, where folks around the world shared talks and discussion on topics related to ADHD. I spoke about twice-exceptionality, specifically as it relates to ADHD, and the topic seemed to resonate with a lot of folks, so I decided ot share it on the podcast as well! In this episode: Why the topic of twice exceptionality is important to me. Why it's important to talk about twice exceptionality. Why it often goes overlooked. How to recognize when you might be both gifted and ADHD. Co...
2021-01-2621 min
Embracing Intensity204: Building Platforms and Courses for Mission-Driven Women with Dusti ArabMy guest today is twice exceptional and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. She's super vocal about many things, including social justice, dressing up as Elsa for storytime, and showcasing her great style. Fortunately for me, she lives in my area, so I hope to meet her in person very soon! Dusti Arab is an entrepreneur and writer who leads the reinvention co., a boutique marketing agency specializing in building platforms and courses for mission-driven women. Dusti is currently writing a book, Braver Than Before: A Roadmap for Investigating Big Life Changes. Show Highlights:
2021-01-1826 min
Embracing Intensity203: Year AheadThis week I wanted to take a moment to share about the upcoming plans I have for the year to help gifted, creative and outside the box thinkers connect and realize their potential. In this episode: Upcoming topics and speakers for the Embracing Intensity Community. Refreshing my website Adult Learning Assessment and Coaching information. Creating lots of fun and hopefully useful content. Links: My first Comic! Embracing Intensity Community Patreon Free Harnessing the Power of Your Intensity Workbook
2021-01-1203 min
Embracing Intensity202: Chipping Away Layers of Societal Conditioning with Julia R. WildToday's show focuses on highly sensitive people. My guest loves helping HSPs uncover the layers of conditioning put on them by society and bloom in their uniqueness. Join us to learn more. Julia R. Wild is a bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and trauma educator with a Master's degree in psychology. She's also a writing, creativity, and life coach. Her first self-help book for sensitives became an Amazon #1 bestseller, and she's a TEDxMileHigh Blogger. Julia loves helping highly sensitive and empath children and women find their soulful, powerful voice. Part of her work also helps parents of highly...
2021-01-0435 min
Embracing Intensity[Rerun] Using Your Intensity to Spread and Attract Love with Alexandra LovesThis is the final rerun episode for December before we launch into a new season of interviews, solo episodes and amazing guest speakers! Love is the very fabric of the universe, and I get so excited when I see someone using their intensity to spread the love around. My guest this week is Alexandra Loves, and I actually approached a year ago to be on the show. I'm so glad we decided to wait until now, because my connection with Alexandra has grown and bloomed during that time, giving us plenty to talk about! Alexandra is a...
2020-12-291h 18
Embracing Intensity[Rerun] The Double Dilemma of ADHD and Giftedness with René BrooksThis December I'm sharing reruns of some of my favorite episodes from 2018. This one is from one of my all time hero's René Brooks of Black Girl, Lost Keys. She was super amazing when I interviewed her and since then her following has absolutely blown up! I remember being excited for her last Christmas time when she hit 10 K followers on Twitter and now she's grown exponentially with over 36 K. She's also lined up a book deal and has a ton of other amazing projects in the works. She's also created 6 amazing workbooks on topics relevant to f...
2020-12-2356 min
Embracing Intensity[Rerun] Helping People Thrive As The Best Version Of Themselves with Kate ArmsContinuing reruns for some of my favorite episodes from season 2 for this December! This week, I'm sharing my interview with Kate Arms! I met today's special guest, Kate Arms, at the SENG conference recently and was so inspired by her talk entitled "Thriving with Intensity: Mining The Magic From Your Overexcitabilities" that I knew Kate would be the perfect fit for the podcast. Kate is a classic overthinker, high achiever, and multipotentialite who exudes intensity. She gets bored easily as evidenced by a career that includes being a lawyer, an arts administrator, a coach to parents of...
2020-12-1608 min
Embracing Intensity[Rerun] Not Your Average Mom with Arianna BradfordThis December, I'm continuing the tradition of sharing reruns of some of my favorite episodes, this time from Season 2. This episode is with Arianna Bradford. Since I last spoke to her, Arianna has been busy. She has dissolved the NYAM project and now writes and speaks to groups of parents for a living. Her book, Shame on You, Big Truths from a Bad Mom, was independently released July 7, and it's been widely regarded as a fun, honest book for parents. She's currently working on her second book, and is in the midst of relocating to Florida. You can find...
2020-12-0839 min
Embracing Intensity201: Owning Your Power!In his book How To Be an Adult, David Richo refers to assertiveness as "owning your own power." This is so important because one of the best things we can do to increase our energy is to increase our sense of power and reduce our feelings of powerlessness. The most crucial way to do this is by getting clear on what we want and asking for it. In this episode: Assertiveness is owning your own power Passivity is giving your power away. Aggressiveness is changing power to control. You can use the four step STAR (Stop...
2020-12-0110 min
Embracing Intensity200: Leadership, Parenting, and Teaching with Mr. ChazzToday's guest made quite an impression on me when I found him on TikTok. His specialty is self-regulation, and he has found inspiring ways to teach his techniques to teachers and parents. Join us to learn more. Chazz Lewis, aka "Mr. Chazz," is a preschool teacher who currently focuses his talents on teaching teachers to teach. He's a mentor and motivational speaker who also hosts the podcast, Mr. Chazz's Leadership, Parenting, and Teaching. Show Highlights: Why Mr. Chazz is intensely passionate about becoming the best version of himself and helping others do the same...
2020-11-2353 min
Embracing Intensity199: QuarantineThis week's episode is brief, with a quick update about my quarantine, exposure to Covid and awaiting our test results. In this episode: Barriers to early identification. Asymptomatic spread. Even when we follow all the rules, we can still get exposed.
2020-11-1710 minADHD Essentials51: Gifted with ADHD, with Aurora Remember Holtzman, ADHD & Gifted mother of an ADHD & Gifted ChildToday, we’re talking to Aurora Remember Holtzman.
Aurora is a school psychologist, host of the “Embracing Intensity” podcast, and a twice exceptional mother of a twice exceptional son. They both have ADHD and giftedness.
In today’s episode, we’re talking ADHD and giftedness through the lens of someone who’s living it. We explore growing up gifted, impulsiveness vs impulsiveness, the value of teachers who “get” your kid, and the importance of learning to self-regulate as a parent.
Guest Links:
Aurora's Website: http://www.auroraremember.com
Embracing Intensity Podcast: http://www...
2018-12-2137 min