Beyond the Mind Wed, 06 May 2026 23:38:10 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2567972 en-us © 2026 Beyond the Mind yes b4a961eb-884e-528b-83d8-98048520a779 contactus@beyondthemind.studio BeyondtheMind episodic false Beyond the Mind is where personal narratives meet neuroscience, legal systems meet lived experience, and stigma meets soul.

Each episode:

  • Unpacks real journeys from survival to self-understanding
  • Translates the language of the brain and body into something you can live with
  • Dismantles the myths around “normal,” success, and capability
  • Gives voice to people failed by systems, but not by their own potential

We’re not here to fix you. We’re here to help you see the whole picture — and finally feel seen inside it.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) BeyondtheMind contactus@beyondthemind.studio https://storage.buzzsprout.com/ore49emdz00b8c11sikxzvoxntds?.jpg Beyond the Mind Empowering Neurodiverse Students with Education and Advocacy with AnneMarie Anderson Empowering Neurodiverse Students with Education and Advocacy with AnneMarie Anderson In this insightful episode, AnneMarie Anderson, founder of an education consultancy, discusses her mission to match families and students with needed resources, offering school advocacy and tutoring. AnneMarie shares her personal experiences growing up, her challenges with social interactions, and her path to corporate success despite the difficulties presented by small talk and networking. Reflecting on her journey through education, she shares innovative methods to empower neurodiverse students, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, tailor-made educational resources, and developing personal advocacy skills. Delve into her unique approach to fostering student curiosity and self-identification, the intricacies of working within the educational system, and the significance of maintaining joy and agency throughout. Additionally, AnneMarie talks about her published works, 'Brain Sex: A Thinking Person’s Guide to the Sex Ed Book' and 'Thrive Academic Systems Workbook,' highlighting her dedication to comprehensive and inclusive education.



Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Mission

01:38 Personal Journey in Education

05:31 Challenges of Small Talk and Masking

06:21 Navigating Corporate Life

20:33 Reflections on Neurodiversity and Education

38:33 Navigating Neurotypical Leadership

39:34 The Struggle with Honesty and Directness

40:44 Teaching Self-Advocacy and Privacy

41:53 Challenges in the Education System

44:38 Navigating Invisible Illnesses

48:36 Empowering Students and Parents

56:23 Books and Resources for Advocacy

56:56 Exploring Sexual Education and Values

01:10:34 Parenting and Personal Growth

01:16:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> In this insightful episode, AnneMarie Anderson, founder of an education consultancy, discusses her mission to match families and students with needed resources, offering school advocacy and tutoring. AnneMarie shares her personal experiences growing up, her challenges with social interactions, and her path to corporate success despite the difficulties presented by small talk and networking. Reflecting on her journey through education, she shares innovative methods to empower neurodiverse students, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, tailor-made educational resources, and developing personal advocacy skills. Delve into her unique approach to fostering student curiosity and self-identification, the intricacies of working within the educational system, and the significance of maintaining joy and agency throughout. Additionally, AnneMarie talks about her published works, 'Brain Sex: A Thinking Person’s Guide to the Sex Ed Book' and 'Thrive Academic Systems Workbook,' highlighting her dedication to comprehensive and inclusive education.



Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Mission

01:38 Personal Journey in Education

05:31 Challenges of Small Talk and Masking

06:21 Navigating Corporate Life

20:33 Reflections on Neurodiversity and Education

38:33 Navigating Neurotypical Leadership

39:34 The Struggle with Honesty and Directness

40:44 Teaching Self-Advocacy and Privacy

41:53 Challenges in the Education System

44:38 Navigating Invisible Illnesses

48:36 Empowering Students and Parents

56:23 Books and Resources for Advocacy

56:56 Exploring Sexual Education and Values

01:10:34 Parenting and Personal Growth

01:16:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-18456343 Wed, 06 May 2026 23:00:00 -0400 4618 1 5 full true Why ADHD Coaching Works When “Tips & Tricks” Don’t with David Wake Why ADHD Coaching Works When “Tips & Tricks” Don’t with David Wake In this conversation, ADHD coach David Wake breaks down what many people miss:

ADHD isn’t just about focus. It’s about emotion, transitions, shame, sleep, and the invisible effort it takes to do “simple” things — especially when you’ve spent years blaming yourself.

We talk about:

The emotional side of ADHD (including excitement, urgency, and intensity)

Why mornings and sleep are such common pain points

How relationships get strained when ADHD isn’t understood

Why medication can be life-changing — and why it still isn’t the whole picture

What coaching provides that no checklist ever will: safety, insight, accountability, and a new way to make sense of your mind

If you’re ADHD and tired of “just do this” advice that never sticks, this episode offers a more grounded explanation — and a path forward that doesn’t require you to become a different person.

To learn more about David Wake ADHD Coaching, visit https://www.davidwakeadhdcoaching.com

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> In this conversation, ADHD coach David Wake breaks down what many people miss:

ADHD isn’t just about focus. It’s about emotion, transitions, shame, sleep, and the invisible effort it takes to do “simple” things — especially when you’ve spent years blaming yourself.

We talk about:

The emotional side of ADHD (including excitement, urgency, and intensity)

Why mornings and sleep are such common pain points

How relationships get strained when ADHD isn’t understood

Why medication can be life-changing — and why it still isn’t the whole picture

What coaching provides that no checklist ever will: safety, insight, accountability, and a new way to make sense of your mind

If you’re ADHD and tired of “just do this” advice that never sticks, this episode offers a more grounded explanation — and a path forward that doesn’t require you to become a different person.

To learn more about David Wake ADHD Coaching, visit https://www.davidwakeadhdcoaching.com

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-19080901 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:00:00 -0400 3614 1 13 full false ADHD & Autism at Work: Navigating HR, Documentation, and Accommodations with Marcus Tiberius ADHD & Autism at Work: Navigating HR, Documentation, and Accommodations with Marcus Tiberius "What happens when you spend your whole life sensing you’re “different” — but no one gives you the language for why?

In this episode, Marcus shares his journey of being late-identified as high-functioning autistic and ADHD — and the  reality of finding out his family “always knew,” but chose not to tell him.

We talk about the quiet ways neurodivergence can show up when you’re not framed as “a problem,” but you still feel the difference in how you process, relate, and move through the world. And we follow the moment everything changed: a job that wasn’t the right fit, escalating anxiety and depression, and the decision to finally advocate for himself at work — which triggered a formal accommodations process that felt confusing, chaotic, and painfully slow.

Marcus takes us inside what people don’t see:

The emotional toll of navigating HR and invisible systems

Why accommodations can take months (or more) even when they’re legally protected

How to protect yourself with documentation (and why journaling your internal experience matters too)

The power of having the right people in your corner: a supportive doctor, friends, family, and therapy

What it looks like to stop suppressing who you are — and choose self-advocacy instead

This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt trapped in a process they don’t understand, trying to function inside systems that weren’t built for their brain or their body.

It’s also a reminder: advocating for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s stabilizing.

Marcus closes with the kind of grounded wisdom that only comes from lived experience — and a vision for what he wants to build next: using what he learned to become the person in someone else’s corner… the one who doesn’t quit on them when they’re ready to quit on themselves.

If you’re navigating diagnosis, accommodations, burnout, or the quiet grief of being misunderstood — this episode will leave you feeling less alone, and more clear on your next step.

To connect with Marcus: marcuskilgorekm@gmail.com

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> "What happens when you spend your whole life sensing you’re “different” — but no one gives you the language for why?

In this episode, Marcus shares his journey of being late-identified as high-functioning autistic and ADHD — and the  reality of finding out his family “always knew,” but chose not to tell him.

We talk about the quiet ways neurodivergence can show up when you’re not framed as “a problem,” but you still feel the difference in how you process, relate, and move through the world. And we follow the moment everything changed: a job that wasn’t the right fit, escalating anxiety and depression, and the decision to finally advocate for himself at work — which triggered a formal accommodations process that felt confusing, chaotic, and painfully slow.

Marcus takes us inside what people don’t see:

The emotional toll of navigating HR and invisible systems

Why accommodations can take months (or more) even when they’re legally protected

How to protect yourself with documentation (and why journaling your internal experience matters too)

The power of having the right people in your corner: a supportive doctor, friends, family, and therapy

What it looks like to stop suppressing who you are — and choose self-advocacy instead

This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt trapped in a process they don’t understand, trying to function inside systems that weren’t built for their brain or their body.

It’s also a reminder: advocating for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s stabilizing.

Marcus closes with the kind of grounded wisdom that only comes from lived experience — and a vision for what he wants to build next: using what he learned to become the person in someone else’s corner… the one who doesn’t quit on them when they’re ready to quit on themselves.

If you’re navigating diagnosis, accommodations, burnout, or the quiet grief of being misunderstood — this episode will leave you feeling less alone, and more clear on your next step.

To connect with Marcus: marcuskilgorekm@gmail.com

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-19080849 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:00:00 -0400 2572 1 12 full false The Neurodiversity Conversation New Moms Aren’t Having with Kalista Boundy (Part 2) The Neurodiversity Conversation New Moms Aren’t Having with Kalista Boundy (Part 2) Kalista’s story didn’t start with motherhood.

It started years earlier — with testing out of high school at 13, cycling through bursts of brilliance and burnout, and quietly wondering why consistency always felt just out of reach.

From the outside, she looked capable.
Gifted.
Independent.

But underneath, there was a persistent pattern: overwhelm, exhaustion, and the feeling of “I should be able to handle this.”

It wasn’t until early motherhood that everything intensified.

In Part 2 of her story, we fast forward to life during COVID, pregnancy, and the early months with her daughter — where the invisible weight of executive dysfunction became impossible to ignore.

We talk about:

Why the newborn stage can expose undiagnosed ADHD

The specific kind of overwhelm that feels relentless and bodily — not just “busy”

The shame of struggling with daily tasks that “should” be manageable

How motherhood can amplify executive function gaps

What changed after therapy, diagnosis, and ADHD-informed support

And the power of lowering expectations without lowering self-worth

This episode is especially for new moms who are:

Drowning in the day-to-day details

Wondering why basic routines feel disproportionately hard

Quietly asking, “Why does this seem easier for everyone else?”

Trying to “tough it out” because that’s what motherhood is supposed to look like

Sometimes postpartum struggle isn’t just hormones.
Sometimes it’s years of overcompensating finally catching up.

A diagnosis didn’t fix everything.
But it gave Kalista language, context, and permission:

Permission to ask for help.
Permission to simplify.
Permission to stop trying to function like a robot.

Motherhood didn’t break her.

It revealed what had always been there — and gave her the clarity to finally work with her brain instead of against it.

If you’re in early motherhood and something feels heavier than it should… this conversation might help you see yourself differently.

Not failing.
Not weak.
Not incapable.

Just unsupported in ways that now — finally — make sense.

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> Kalista’s story didn’t start with motherhood.

It started years earlier — with testing out of high school at 13, cycling through bursts of brilliance and burnout, and quietly wondering why consistency always felt just out of reach.

From the outside, she looked capable.
Gifted.
Independent.

But underneath, there was a persistent pattern: overwhelm, exhaustion, and the feeling of “I should be able to handle this.”

It wasn’t until early motherhood that everything intensified.

In Part 2 of her story, we fast forward to life during COVID, pregnancy, and the early months with her daughter — where the invisible weight of executive dysfunction became impossible to ignore.

We talk about:

Why the newborn stage can expose undiagnosed ADHD

The specific kind of overwhelm that feels relentless and bodily — not just “busy”

The shame of struggling with daily tasks that “should” be manageable

How motherhood can amplify executive function gaps

What changed after therapy, diagnosis, and ADHD-informed support

And the power of lowering expectations without lowering self-worth

This episode is especially for new moms who are:

Drowning in the day-to-day details

Wondering why basic routines feel disproportionately hard

Quietly asking, “Why does this seem easier for everyone else?”

Trying to “tough it out” because that’s what motherhood is supposed to look like

Sometimes postpartum struggle isn’t just hormones.
Sometimes it’s years of overcompensating finally catching up.

A diagnosis didn’t fix everything.
But it gave Kalista language, context, and permission:

Permission to ask for help.
Permission to simplify.
Permission to stop trying to function like a robot.

Motherhood didn’t break her.

It revealed what had always been there — and gave her the clarity to finally work with her brain instead of against it.

If you’re in early motherhood and something feels heavier than it should… this conversation might help you see yourself differently.

Not failing.
Not weak.
Not incapable.

Just unsupported in ways that now — finally — make sense.

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-19080801 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0400 1600 1 11 full false What If It isn’t Just Postpartum? The Neurodiversity Convo New Moms Aren’t Having w/Kalista Boundy What If It isn’t Just Postpartum? The Neurodiversity Convo New Moms Aren’t Having w/Kalista Boundy When Kalista became a mother, the patterns she’d been managing since childhood became impossible to outrun.

From early academic acceleration to cycles of burnout and “starting over,” her story reflects a common but rarely discussed experience: high-capability women whose undiagnosed ADHD only becomes visible when life demands more than their coping systems can sustain.

In this episode, we explore:

Why achievement can hide executive dysfunction

How grief, transitions, and stress amplify underlying patterns

Why new motherhood is often the tipping point

And how reframing your past changes your future

This conversation isn’t about blame.

It’s about context.

For the mom quietly wondering if there’s something deeper going on — this episode offers language, compassion, and a new lens.

Because sometimes the struggle isn’t that you’re not trying hard enough.

It's that a new chapter requires new structure and tools.

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> When Kalista became a mother, the patterns she’d been managing since childhood became impossible to outrun.

From early academic acceleration to cycles of burnout and “starting over,” her story reflects a common but rarely discussed experience: high-capability women whose undiagnosed ADHD only becomes visible when life demands more than their coping systems can sustain.

In this episode, we explore:

Why achievement can hide executive dysfunction

How grief, transitions, and stress amplify underlying patterns

Why new motherhood is often the tipping point

And how reframing your past changes your future

This conversation isn’t about blame.

It’s about context.

For the mom quietly wondering if there’s something deeper going on — this episode offers language, compassion, and a new lens.

Because sometimes the struggle isn’t that you’re not trying hard enough.

It's that a new chapter requires new structure and tools.

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-19080774 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0400 1614 1 10 full false The Leadership Gap No One Is Talking About: Neurodiversity, AI, and the Human Element with Brian Schwartz The Leadership Gap No One Is Talking About: Neurodiversity, AI, and the Human Element with Brian Schwartz In this episode, we explore something most leadership conversations miss.

Not just strategy.
Not just performance.
But the human dynamics underneath it all.

I’m joined by Brian Schwartz—coach, mediator, and leadership consultant—as we unpack what actually happens when high-performing individuals step into leadership roles… and why so many struggle in ways they didn’t expect.

We talk about:

The difference between executive leadership and executive functioning
Why neurodiverse thinkers often rise quickly—but face hidden friction
How visionaries and operators misalign inside organizations
Why AI won’t replace the need for human-centered leadership
And what it really means to build teams that feel valued, heard, and effective

This is a conversation about what’s actually driving performance right now—and what leaders need to understand if they want to move forward without losing their teams.

Because the truth is:

You don’t lose people because of the work.
You lose them because they stop feeling seen.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but something isn’t clicking…
If you’ve struggled to lead others—or even yourself—through complexity and change…
Or if you’re trying to build something meaningful without losing the human side of it…

This episode is for you.

To connect with Brian Schwartz directly:
Email: Brian@brianschwartz.org
Website: brianschwartz.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandanielschwartz/
Instagram: Instagram.com/brian_schwartz_coaching 

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> In this episode, we explore something most leadership conversations miss.

Not just strategy.
Not just performance.
But the human dynamics underneath it all.

I’m joined by Brian Schwartz—coach, mediator, and leadership consultant—as we unpack what actually happens when high-performing individuals step into leadership roles… and why so many struggle in ways they didn’t expect.

We talk about:

The difference between executive leadership and executive functioning
Why neurodiverse thinkers often rise quickly—but face hidden friction
How visionaries and operators misalign inside organizations
Why AI won’t replace the need for human-centered leadership
And what it really means to build teams that feel valued, heard, and effective

This is a conversation about what’s actually driving performance right now—and what leaders need to understand if they want to move forward without losing their teams.

Because the truth is:

You don’t lose people because of the work.
You lose them because they stop feeling seen.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but something isn’t clicking…
If you’ve struggled to lead others—or even yourself—through complexity and change…
Or if you’re trying to build something meaningful without losing the human side of it…

This episode is for you.

To connect with Brian Schwartz directly:
Email: Brian@brianschwartz.org
Website: brianschwartz.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandanielschwartz/
Instagram: Instagram.com/brian_schwartz_coaching 

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-19043249 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0400 3166 1 9 full false Why Mental Training Matters More Than You Think (w/ MyMentalPal Founder: Nima Yani) Why Mental Training Matters More Than You Think (w/ MyMentalPal Founder: Nima Yani) In this episode, I sit down with Nima Yani, founder of myMentalPal, to explore the connection between mental health, discipline, and performance—and how learning to work with your mind can completely shift how you move through life.

Nima shares his journey from growing up in Iran to moving to the U.S. to pursue basketball, and how that experience led him to discover something many of us overlook: you can train your body all day, but if your mind isn’t supported, performance will eventually break down.

We talk about:

  •  The relationship between mental health and performance
  •  Why discipline isn’t just about willpower 
  •  How mindfulness and meditation can be used as practical tools—not just concepts 
  •  The gap between learning and actually applying what you learn
  •  And how small, consistent shifts can change your trajectory over time 

We also dive into the creation of myMental Pal—a mental training app that blends personal development, habit building, and mindfulness by turning books into guided meditation experiences.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level self-improvement. It’s about understanding how your brain works, how your nervous system responds to stress and change, and how to build habits that actually support you—especially if you’ve struggled with consistency, focus, or follow-through.

We also explore:

  •  Why human-led mental health tools still matter in the age of AI 
  •  The importance of trauma-informed design
  •  And how to create a more sustainable relationship with growth 

If you’re interested in self-development, ADHD, habit formation, mindfulness, mental clarity, or performance optimization, this episode will give you a different way to think about it.

Connect with Nima Yani / My Mental Pal
 Download the app and explore more through: https://mymentalpal.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Mind
 00:29 Meet Nima Yani: Founder of My Mental Pal
 02:01 From Iran to the U.S.: Pursuing Basketball Dreams
 03:17 Discovering Meditation Through Performance
 05:10 Small Tweaks, Big Results: Lessons from Sports
 07:06 Discipline and Decision-Making
 11:21 Adapting to a New Country and Culture
 13:04 Building Mental Barriers and Focus
 14:59 Designing for the User: Building My Mental Pal
 18:08 Mental Health, Mindfulness, and Product Design
 22:02 Why Human-Led Teaching Matters in the Age of AI
 24:04 Micro-Learning Through Meditation
 26:07 Building Daily Habits and Consistency
 32:26 Trauma, Boundaries, and Mental Health
 37:08 Book-Based Meditation and Learning
 40:11 Balancing Mind and Body
 43:00 Building a Team and Scaling the Vision
 45:39 How to Get Started with My Mental Pal
 46:48 Closing Thoughts

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> In this episode, I sit down with Nima Yani, founder of myMentalPal, to explore the connection between mental health, discipline, and performance—and how learning to work with your mind can completely shift how you move through life.

Nima shares his journey from growing up in Iran to moving to the U.S. to pursue basketball, and how that experience led him to discover something many of us overlook: you can train your body all day, but if your mind isn’t supported, performance will eventually break down.

We talk about:

  •  The relationship between mental health and performance
  •  Why discipline isn’t just about willpower 
  •  How mindfulness and meditation can be used as practical tools—not just concepts 
  •  The gap between learning and actually applying what you learn
  •  And how small, consistent shifts can change your trajectory over time 

We also dive into the creation of myMental Pal—a mental training app that blends personal development, habit building, and mindfulness by turning books into guided meditation experiences.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level self-improvement. It’s about understanding how your brain works, how your nervous system responds to stress and change, and how to build habits that actually support you—especially if you’ve struggled with consistency, focus, or follow-through.

We also explore:

  •  Why human-led mental health tools still matter in the age of AI 
  •  The importance of trauma-informed design
  •  And how to create a more sustainable relationship with growth 

If you’re interested in self-development, ADHD, habit formation, mindfulness, mental clarity, or performance optimization, this episode will give you a different way to think about it.

Connect with Nima Yani / My Mental Pal
 Download the app and explore more through: https://mymentalpal.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Mind
 00:29 Meet Nima Yani: Founder of My Mental Pal
 02:01 From Iran to the U.S.: Pursuing Basketball Dreams
 03:17 Discovering Meditation Through Performance
 05:10 Small Tweaks, Big Results: Lessons from Sports
 07:06 Discipline and Decision-Making
 11:21 Adapting to a New Country and Culture
 13:04 Building Mental Barriers and Focus
 14:59 Designing for the User: Building My Mental Pal
 18:08 Mental Health, Mindfulness, and Product Design
 22:02 Why Human-Led Teaching Matters in the Age of AI
 24:04 Micro-Learning Through Meditation
 26:07 Building Daily Habits and Consistency
 32:26 Trauma, Boundaries, and Mental Health
 37:08 Book-Based Meditation and Learning
 40:11 Balancing Mind and Body
 43:00 Building a Team and Scaling the Vision
 45:39 How to Get Started with My Mental Pal
 46:48 Closing Thoughts

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-18914724 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0400 2814 1 8 full false A Journey from Diagnosis to Advocacy with Katie Berryhill, EdD A Journey from Diagnosis to Advocacy with Katie Berryhill, EdD In this episode, Katie Berryhill, a professor of astronomy, shares her journey of living with undiagnosed ADHD from childhood through adulthood, finally receiving her diagnosis while pursuing her doctorate in Education. She discusses the challenges she faced in high school and college, the support she received, and how these experiences have shaped her career and teaching methods. Katie's story emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs beyond academics and the critical role of teachers and support systems in helping students reach their potential. This episode is a must-watch for educators, parents, and anyone interested in ADHD and personalized learning approaches.

Connect with Katie Berryhill via LinkedIn


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Mind

00:40 Meet Katie Berryhill: An Astronomy Professor's Journey

01:41 Early Academic Challenges and Achievements

04:04 Struggles with ADHD and Procrastination

12:01 High School Experiences and Educational Gaps

27:54 Separation Anxiety and College Transition

41:13 Struggles with Calculus and a Difficult Professor

45:45 Losing and Regaining a Scholarship

49:39 Support from Professors and Changing Majors

55:07 Discovering ADHD and Its Impact

01:02:38 Innovative Teaching Methods and Student Support

01:12:50 Challenges with Student Engagement

01:18:45 Concluding Thoughts and Appreciation


Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> In this episode, Katie Berryhill, a professor of astronomy, shares her journey of living with undiagnosed ADHD from childhood through adulthood, finally receiving her diagnosis while pursuing her doctorate in Education. She discusses the challenges she faced in high school and college, the support she received, and how these experiences have shaped her career and teaching methods. Katie's story emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs beyond academics and the critical role of teachers and support systems in helping students reach their potential. This episode is a must-watch for educators, parents, and anyone interested in ADHD and personalized learning approaches.

Connect with Katie Berryhill via LinkedIn


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Mind

00:40 Meet Katie Berryhill: An Astronomy Professor's Journey

01:41 Early Academic Challenges and Achievements

04:04 Struggles with ADHD and Procrastination

12:01 High School Experiences and Educational Gaps

27:54 Separation Anxiety and College Transition

41:13 Struggles with Calculus and a Difficult Professor

45:45 Losing and Regaining a Scholarship

49:39 Support from Professors and Changing Majors

55:07 Discovering ADHD and Its Impact

01:02:38 Innovative Teaching Methods and Student Support

01:12:50 Challenges with Student Engagement

01:18:45 Concluding Thoughts and Appreciation


Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-18452934 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0500 4844 1 4 full false The Power of Behavior Analysis and Trauma-Informed Care with Annie Chen The Power of Behavior Analysis and Trauma-Informed Care with Annie Chen Join us as we dive deep into an enlightening conversation with Annie, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and trauma breath coach. In this episode, we explore the intersection of wellness, mental health, and trauma therapy. Annie shares her expertise on how behavior analysis can help understand and modify behaviors to improve daily life. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, the impact of trauma on the nervous system, and how different therapeutic tools can assist individuals in becoming more self-sufficient and achieving their life goals. Whether you're curious about behavior patterns, dealing with anxiety, or interested in trauma-informed approaches, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.

Annie Chen can be reached at behaviorroots.com and annie@behaviorroots.com 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:39 Understanding Behavior Analysis

03:04 Data Collection Methods in Behavior Analysis

04:40 Challenges and Applications of ABA

08:27 Personal Journey and Trauma-Informed Approach

11:56 Navigating Anxiety and Holistic Health

17:47 Cultural Influences and Personal Upbringing

26:33 Trauma-Informed Practices and Nervous System Readiness

36:27 Understanding Client Readiness and Goal Setting

37:32 Client Reactions and Openness to Change

39:31 Recognizing Trauma Symptoms in Daily Life

42:34 Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn Responses

49:31 Behavior Analysis in Relationships

55:01 Personal Growth and Relationship Dynamics

01:03:54 The Role of Breath Work in Healing

01:05:32 Overview of Services and Workshops


Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> Join us as we dive deep into an enlightening conversation with Annie, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and trauma breath coach. In this episode, we explore the intersection of wellness, mental health, and trauma therapy. Annie shares her expertise on how behavior analysis can help understand and modify behaviors to improve daily life. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, the impact of trauma on the nervous system, and how different therapeutic tools can assist individuals in becoming more self-sufficient and achieving their life goals. Whether you're curious about behavior patterns, dealing with anxiety, or interested in trauma-informed approaches, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.

Annie Chen can be reached at behaviorroots.com and annie@behaviorroots.com 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:39 Understanding Behavior Analysis

03:04 Data Collection Methods in Behavior Analysis

04:40 Challenges and Applications of ABA

08:27 Personal Journey and Trauma-Informed Approach

11:56 Navigating Anxiety and Holistic Health

17:47 Cultural Influences and Personal Upbringing

26:33 Trauma-Informed Practices and Nervous System Readiness

36:27 Understanding Client Readiness and Goal Setting

37:32 Client Reactions and Openness to Change

39:31 Recognizing Trauma Symptoms in Daily Life

42:34 Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn Responses

49:31 Behavior Analysis in Relationships

55:01 Personal Growth and Relationship Dynamics

01:03:54 The Role of Breath Work in Healing

01:05:32 Overview of Services and Workshops


Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-18457789 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500 4147 1 6 full false Designing for Everyone : The Neurodiversity Advantage with Dylan Woods Designing for Everyone : The Neurodiversity Advantage with Dylan Woods Welcome to the Beyond the Mind Podcast, where we explore the stories, science, and systems that shape how we heal and grow.

In this episode, host SC welcomes Dylan from UC Berkeley’s Disabled Students Program (DSP). Since 2019, Dylan has been converting inaccessible academic materials into accessible formats using tools like OCR, Speechify, and Genio—ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to learning.

SC and Dylan discuss the barriers students face in traditional academic environments, the power of accessibility-centered design, and Dylan’s own path into user experience and inclusive design. He offers insight into what truly makes a tool or system accessible, and why design must consider diverse cognitive and sensory needs.

This conversation highlights the importance of accessibility as a foundation for wellbeing and educational equity.

Connect with Dylan Woods on LinkedIn or via email: mrdmw1024@gmail.com 

Subscribe to Beyond the Mind for more conversations on mental health, accessibility, neurodiversity, and the ecosystems that help us thrive beyond the mind


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Disabled Students Program

00:11 Assistive Technologies and Software

01:32 Physical and Invisible Disabilities

02:20 Personal Journey and Career Path

03:10 User Experience Design and Accessibility

04:31 Neurodiversity Summit Insights

05:50 Campus Navigation Challenges

08:17 Support for Students with Disabilities

16:36 Note-Taking Tools and Technologies

25:18 AI in Education and Note-Taking

29:54 The Struggles of Manual Note-Taking

30:45 Discovering Otter AI: A Game Changer

30:53 The Importance of Note-Taking in Work Contexts

32:18 The Evolution of Note-Taking Tools

36:29 User Experience and Accessibility in Design

48:06 Designing for Neurodiversity

54:39 The Role of Graphic Design in UX

58:26 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects


Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> Welcome to the Beyond the Mind Podcast, where we explore the stories, science, and systems that shape how we heal and grow.

In this episode, host SC welcomes Dylan from UC Berkeley’s Disabled Students Program (DSP). Since 2019, Dylan has been converting inaccessible academic materials into accessible formats using tools like OCR, Speechify, and Genio—ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to learning.

SC and Dylan discuss the barriers students face in traditional academic environments, the power of accessibility-centered design, and Dylan’s own path into user experience and inclusive design. He offers insight into what truly makes a tool or system accessible, and why design must consider diverse cognitive and sensory needs.

This conversation highlights the importance of accessibility as a foundation for wellbeing and educational equity.

Connect with Dylan Woods on LinkedIn or via email: mrdmw1024@gmail.com 

Subscribe to Beyond the Mind for more conversations on mental health, accessibility, neurodiversity, and the ecosystems that help us thrive beyond the mind


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Disabled Students Program

00:11 Assistive Technologies and Software

01:32 Physical and Invisible Disabilities

02:20 Personal Journey and Career Path

03:10 User Experience Design and Accessibility

04:31 Neurodiversity Summit Insights

05:50 Campus Navigation Challenges

08:17 Support for Students with Disabilities

16:36 Note-Taking Tools and Technologies

25:18 AI in Education and Note-Taking

29:54 The Struggles of Manual Note-Taking

30:45 Discovering Otter AI: A Game Changer

30:53 The Importance of Note-Taking in Work Contexts

32:18 The Evolution of Note-Taking Tools

36:29 User Experience and Accessibility in Design

48:06 Designing for Neurodiversity

54:39 The Role of Graphic Design in UX

58:26 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects


Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-18445565 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500 3557 1 3 full false Navigating Neurodivergence: Unmasking, Community, and Self-Discovery with Dr. Sam Crandall Navigating Neurodivergence: Unmasking, Community, and Self-Discovery with Dr. Sam Crandall Welcome to Beyond the Mind Podcast, where we explore the stories, science, and systems that shape how we heal and grow.

In this episode, host SC welcomes Dr. Sam Crandall , an adult-diagnosed neurodivergent woman she met at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit. Together, they dive deep into Sam’s personal journey of late diagnosis, the power of community for neurodivergent individuals, and the internalized challenges that arise in a neurotypical world.

Sam shares her experience with autistic burnout, communication differences, and the transformative role of community-based research in creating safer, more inclusive systems of support.

This touching discussion highlights both the shared struggles and the quiet triumphs within neurodivergent communities underscoring the need for self-validation, connection, and healing through understanding.

Subscribe to Beyond the Mind for more conversations on mental health, neurodiversity, and the ecosystems that help us thrive beyond the mind.

To connect with Dr. Sam Crandall, reach out to: samantha.crandall@phoenixcollege.edu

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Mind Podcast
00:38 Sam's Journey to Neurodivergence
02:11 Late Diagnosis and Personal Growth
02:42 Professional Life and Neurodivergence
05:32 Parenting and Neurodivergence
12:14 Challenges and Misunderstandings
22:50 Navigating Disclosure and Identity
27:26 Coping Mechanisms and Self-Acceptance
35:16 Understanding Neurodiverse Traits
36:33 Challenges of Neurodivergent Communication
37:09 Navigating Interruptions and Cultural Differences
40:07 The Importance of Community and Support
44:30 Directness and Honest Communication
54:01 Research on Neurodivergent Women in Higher Education
01:02:50 The Power of Community in Healing
01:10:26 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> Welcome to Beyond the Mind Podcast, where we explore the stories, science, and systems that shape how we heal and grow.

In this episode, host SC welcomes Dr. Sam Crandall , an adult-diagnosed neurodivergent woman she met at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit. Together, they dive deep into Sam’s personal journey of late diagnosis, the power of community for neurodivergent individuals, and the internalized challenges that arise in a neurotypical world.

Sam shares her experience with autistic burnout, communication differences, and the transformative role of community-based research in creating safer, more inclusive systems of support.

This touching discussion highlights both the shared struggles and the quiet triumphs within neurodivergent communities underscoring the need for self-validation, connection, and healing through understanding.

Subscribe to Beyond the Mind for more conversations on mental health, neurodiversity, and the ecosystems that help us thrive beyond the mind.

To connect with Dr. Sam Crandall, reach out to: samantha.crandall@phoenixcollege.edu

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Mind Podcast
00:38 Sam's Journey to Neurodivergence
02:11 Late Diagnosis and Personal Growth
02:42 Professional Life and Neurodivergence
05:32 Parenting and Neurodivergence
12:14 Challenges and Misunderstandings
22:50 Navigating Disclosure and Identity
27:26 Coping Mechanisms and Self-Acceptance
35:16 Understanding Neurodiverse Traits
36:33 Challenges of Neurodivergent Communication
37:09 Navigating Interruptions and Cultural Differences
40:07 The Importance of Community and Support
44:30 Directness and Honest Communication
54:01 Research on Neurodivergent Women in Higher Education
01:02:50 The Power of Community in Healing
01:10:26 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-18441717 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500 4328 1 2 full false Coaching in Your Pocket: Building Self-Trust with ADHD (with Steev Hodgson, Founder of DOSE) Coaching in Your Pocket: Building Self-Trust with ADHD (with Steev Hodgson, Founder of DOSE) Late-diagnosed ADHD can feel like a lifetime of burnout, self-doubt, and trying to “fix” yourself with the next perfect solution. In this episode, Beyond the Mind sits down with Steev Hodgson—ADHD coach and founder of DOSE (Daily Organization, Structure & Execution)—to talk about what actually changes the game: self-compassion, emotional maturity, and tools that help you think intentionally in the moment. Steve shares how his diagnosis in his late 40s reshaped his life, why medication wasn’t the magic answer for him, and how coaching frameworks like “Spark” and “Wave” help shift thoughts, regulate emotions, and build real self-trust. Plus: why DOSE is designed as an ADHD command center—simple, clean, and usable even on your most overwhelmed days.

Steev has generously offered Beyond the Mind listeners a 60 day free trial of DOSE. Simply download the DOSE app, and click login then choose subscription. Then enter in promo code: BEYOND.

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> Late-diagnosed ADHD can feel like a lifetime of burnout, self-doubt, and trying to “fix” yourself with the next perfect solution. In this episode, Beyond the Mind sits down with Steev Hodgson—ADHD coach and founder of DOSE (Daily Organization, Structure & Execution)—to talk about what actually changes the game: self-compassion, emotional maturity, and tools that help you think intentionally in the moment. Steve shares how his diagnosis in his late 40s reshaped his life, why medication wasn’t the magic answer for him, and how coaching frameworks like “Spark” and “Wave” help shift thoughts, regulate emotions, and build real self-trust. Plus: why DOSE is designed as an ADHD command center—simple, clean, and usable even on your most overwhelmed days.

Steev has generously offered Beyond the Mind listeners a 60 day free trial of DOSE. Simply download the DOSE app, and click login then choose subscription. Then enter in promo code: BEYOND.

Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-18654351 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 2824 full false Exploring Neurodiversity & Music Therapy with Alison Mahal Exploring Neurodiversity & Music Therapy with Alison Mahal Welcome to Beyond the Mind Podcast, where we explore the intersections of science, healing, and human connection.

In this episode, host SC sits down with Alison Mahal, a board-certified music therapist, to explore how music therapy supports neurodiverse individuals in expressing, processing, and healing through sound.

From her experiences at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit to her deeply personal journey as both therapist and advocate, Alison shares how music can unlock new pathways for emotional regulation, self-understanding, and connection.

Together, they explore the transformative power of rhythm, melody, and resonance in therapy revealing how customized, compassionate approaches help clients navigate complex emotions and find balance beyond words.

Whether you’re curious about music therapy, exploring new therapeutic modalities, or seeking inspiration for personal growth, this episode offers powerful insights into using music as a tool for healing, alignment, and well-being.

Subscribe to Beyond the Mind for more conversations bridging neuroscience, creativity, and emotional healing because transformation happens when we go beyond the mind.

About this Episode

Follow Alison Mahal: Biographies - Bay Area Music Therapy

About: American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Find a music therapist: Certification Board for Music Therapists

Chapters/Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Meeting at the Summit

00:43 Alison's Journey to Music Therapy

01:41 Experiences at the Neurodiversity Summit

02:48 Challenges and Adjustments in Conferences

05:42 Music Therapy Techniques and Emotional Connection

08:10 Understanding Restraint Collapse and Personal Experiences

13:36 Discovering ADHD and Its Impact

15:49 Hyperfocus and the Role of Stimulants

16:50 Music as a Language and Improvisation

19:48 Music Therapy in Practice

24:34 Processing Emotions Through Music

34:18 History and Applications of Music Therapy

42:06 Understanding Non-Physical Pain

43:11 Challenges in Starting Music Therapy

43:46 Pathological Demand Avoidance in Therapy

46:31 The Importance of Therapeutic Relationships

49:33 The Healing Crisis in Therapy

55:56 AI in Therapy: Opportunities and Concerns

57:28 The Role of Music in Therapy

01:12:48 Future of Neurodivergent Therapy

01:20:54 Resources and Final Thoughts


Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> Welcome to Beyond the Mind Podcast, where we explore the intersections of science, healing, and human connection.

In this episode, host SC sits down with Alison Mahal, a board-certified music therapist, to explore how music therapy supports neurodiverse individuals in expressing, processing, and healing through sound.

From her experiences at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit to her deeply personal journey as both therapist and advocate, Alison shares how music can unlock new pathways for emotional regulation, self-understanding, and connection.

Together, they explore the transformative power of rhythm, melody, and resonance in therapy revealing how customized, compassionate approaches help clients navigate complex emotions and find balance beyond words.

Whether you’re curious about music therapy, exploring new therapeutic modalities, or seeking inspiration for personal growth, this episode offers powerful insights into using music as a tool for healing, alignment, and well-being.

Subscribe to Beyond the Mind for more conversations bridging neuroscience, creativity, and emotional healing because transformation happens when we go beyond the mind.

About this Episode

Follow Alison Mahal: Biographies - Bay Area Music Therapy

About: American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Find a music therapist: Certification Board for Music Therapists

Chapters/Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Meeting at the Summit

00:43 Alison's Journey to Music Therapy

01:41 Experiences at the Neurodiversity Summit

02:48 Challenges and Adjustments in Conferences

05:42 Music Therapy Techniques and Emotional Connection

08:10 Understanding Restraint Collapse and Personal Experiences

13:36 Discovering ADHD and Its Impact

15:49 Hyperfocus and the Role of Stimulants

16:50 Music as a Language and Improvisation

19:48 Music Therapy in Practice

24:34 Processing Emotions Through Music

34:18 History and Applications of Music Therapy

42:06 Understanding Non-Physical Pain

43:11 Challenges in Starting Music Therapy

43:46 Pathological Demand Avoidance in Therapy

46:31 The Importance of Therapeutic Relationships

49:33 The Healing Crisis in Therapy

55:56 AI in Therapy: Opportunities and Concerns

57:28 The Role of Music in Therapy

01:12:48 Future of Neurodivergent Therapy

01:20:54 Resources and Final Thoughts


Follow Beyond the Mind on Instagram

]]> BeyondtheMind Buzzsprout-18415092 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 5217 1 1 full false