Different Spectrums Podcast ™️

In this episode of the Different Spectrums Podcast, Dr. Naz breaks down Zootopia through a mental health lens

This is not just a movie review. This is a deep dive into trauma, neurodivergence, and relationship dynamics using characters that reflect real human experiences.

We explore how different coping styles develop and how they show up in everyday life, especially in relationships.

In this episode:

• How trauma shapes personality and behavior

• The difference between anxiety-driven perfectionism and avoidant coping

• Why humor is often used as a survival strategy

• How relationship conflict is really trauma patterns interacting

• Why vulnerability is necessary but difficult for most people

• How to start recognizing and changing your own patterns

This episode is raw, honest, and practical

If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, relationships, or feeling misunderstood, this will resonate

👇 Watch and listen now

Click the link to tap in

Episode Breakdown:

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

Dr. Naz is stepping into a new era of the Different Spectrums Podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Naz shares a raw and personal shift toward deeper conversations around mental health, anxiety, depression, burnout, relationships, self worth, and neurodivergence. This is not just a podcast episode. This is a real look into what it means to survive, grow, and build a life that actually feels like yours.

We talk about confidence, belonging, emotional regulation, trauma, and how neurodivergent individuals navigate a world that was not built for them. This episode is about learning how to stop shrinking yourself and start showing up fully.

This is where mental health meets real life.

🎧 Watch the full episode here

👉 Link in the description

You can also listen to the Different Spectrums Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

Hosted by Dr. Naz

Dr. Nazeer Zerka is a therapist, speaker, and leader in mental health, specializing in neurodivergence, BIPOC mental health, and emotional well being

Take care of yourself. And if you cannot yet, we will get you there

Episode Breakdown:

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

After a fraternity tragedy at Purdue University, Dr. Naz was asked to speak directly to fraternity men about mental health, trauma, and what actually helps when things get heavy.

This episode goes deeper than surface-level advice.

We break down:

• What neurodivergence really looks like, including anxiety, OCD, ADHD, trauma, and suicidality

• How academic and social pressure can escalate into isolation, substance use, and depression

• The reality of men’s mental health and the barriers to asking for help

• Practical strategies for managing anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma

• Why simple conversations and community can change outcomes

Dr. Naz also shares his personal story, including experiences with abuse, homelessness, violence, and how those challenges turned into growth, purpose, and impact.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to hold everything in or handle things on your own, this episode is for you.

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

Episode Breakdown:

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

Clinical psychologist Dr. Matthew Zakreski and co-host Jake interview social worker and nonprofit founder Doctor Naz about his neurodivergent journey, building an autism-affirming practice, navigating suicidality and intrusive thoughts, and creating safe spaces for Black and Brown neurodivergent communities. They discuss pragmatic therapy beyond manuals, protector ethos, code-switching, plans for a Michigan community center, media-driven fear, exposure therapy, and the role of humor and affiliative teasing in care.

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

Do find Dr. Matt Zakreski

https://www.instagram.com/drmattzakreski/

https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/dr-zakreski-s-full-profile

https://open.spotify.com/show/2XX6vKYjx2Ih4fAaTdU3Bd

Episode Breakdown:

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

What does Napoleon Dynamite reveal about autism, anxiety, masking, and the fear of being perceived?

In this episode we sit down with returning guest Kristina Spurlock, trauma therapist and EMDR specialist, to break down the psychological themes hidden within the cult classic Napoleon Dynamite.

Although the movie is known for its awkward humor and quirky characters, it actually offers a powerful lens into neurodivergence, social anxiety, and the experience of feeling like an outsider.

We analyze several key scenes including:

• The classroom presentation scene

• The chapstick phone call scene

• The awkward dance scene

• Pedro getting sick and leaving school

• The final tetherball scene

Each scene opens a conversation about the difference between autism and anxiety, sensory issues versus avoidance behaviors, and how therapists must carefully sift through information to avoid over- or under-diagnosing clients.

We also discuss:

• Late autism diagnoses in adulthood

• Masking and the fear of being perceived

• Somatic symptoms caused by anxiety

• Internal Family Systems and protective parts

• The role of therapists in reparenting wounded parts of clients

• Why authentic connection is essential for healing

The final tetherball scene becomes a powerful symbol of what therapy often strives for: helping someone reach a point where they can be unapologetically themselves without fear of rejection.

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

To find our new guest: Kristina Spurlock

https://www.instagram.com/healthinsightcounseling/

https://www.healthinsightcounseling.com/

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

3:58 Scenes

9:33 Interview

47:47 Napoleon Talk

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

What happens when trauma, leadership, and mental health collide in professional sports?

In this episode, we break down the story of Barry Switzer, former Dallas Cowboys coach, and explore the psychology behind leadership, resilience, and the emotional struggles athletes face.

Barry Switzer shares a deeply personal story about losing his mother to suicide and how that trauma shaped his perspective on life and coaching. Rather than leading through fear, Switzer believed in coaching with love, trust, and authenticity.

We also examine the story of Charles Haley, one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, who struggled with bipolar disorder throughout his career. The conversation explores how mental health challenges appear in elite sports environments and how coaches and teammates can support athletes navigating those struggles.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Barry Switzer’s leadership style and coaching philosophy

• Trauma and resilience after losing a parent

• The Dallas Cowboys dynasty of the 1990s

• Charles Haley and bipolar disorder in the NFL

• The difference between Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and cyclothymia

• Misdiagnosis and the overlap between trauma, neurodivergence, and mood disorders

• How therapists might support high-profile athletes dealing with mental health challenges

This conversation highlights the human side of sports and reminds us that even elite athletes and legendary coaches carry complex emotional stories

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

4:42 Scenes

12:27 Discussion

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

What happens when mental health care becomes unethical? 🚨

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sara, CEO of Makin Wellness and a nationally recognized leader in mental health care. Together, we explore unethical therapists, cult dynamics in clinical spaces, boundaries in therapy, postpartum struggles, Burnout, and what true Healing really looks like.

We break down:

✔ The Jodie Hildebrandt documentary and unethical clinician behavior

✔ How to identify dangerous or manipulative practitioners

✔ The reality of the mental health system and insurance barriers

✔ Burnout, anxiety, and postpartum mental health

✔ Healing beyond symptom relief and self-actualization

✔ Why clients must do the work outside therapy

This episode is educational, honest, and essential for anyone seeking therapy or working in mental health.

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

To find our new guest: Sara Makin

https://www.instagram.com/thesaramakin/

https://www.makinwellness.com/

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

5:49 Scenes

13:32 Interview

1:24:29 Evil Influencer

We'd love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn't a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

Today we welcome Dr. Christle Guevarra, a board certified sports medicine and family medicine physician, former powerlifting competitor, and Brazilian jiu jitsu practitioner.

In this episode we explore GLP 1 medications, food noise, weight stigma, strength training, and personal growth through the lens of a powerful scene from Pulp Fiction about silence and connection.

To find our new guest: Dr. Christle Guevarra

https://www.instagram.com/dr.christle/?hl=en

https://linkin.bio/drchristle

We discuss:

• What food noise really feels like

• GLP 1 medications and cultural controversy

• Performance pressure and perfectionism

• Athletic identity and recovery

• Strength training for women

• Confidence and identity shifts

• Burnout in medicine and wellness

• Emotional presence and connection

This conversation blends science, mental health, and real life experience.

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

5:33 Scene

8:33 Interview

1:43:00 Pulp Fiction

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:

ONO Roller

https://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng

Bubs Naturals

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

Today’s episode is one of our longest and most layered conversations yet.

We’re joined by two returning favorites, Dr. Lina Haji and Dr. Mac Hereford, licensed clinical psychologists and close friends, for a 3 hour psychological deep dive into the Netflix documentary Unknown Number, focusing on Kendra Licari.

We break down:

• Psychopathy and manipulation

• Motivations behind fabricated harassment

• The psychological impact on victims

• Law enforcement response and systemic gaps

• Online bullying and lack of investigative resources

But before we get into the forensic analysis, we talk about something equally important:

What does friendship look like between two psychologists?

How do they consult each other on clinical dilemmas?

How do they support one another through burnout and physical illness?

How do high achieving professionals learn to rest?

We also explore perfectionism, pushing through pain, autoimmune challenges, body doubling, intellectual friendship, and what healthy professional support really looks like.

This episode is clinical, forensic, funny, emotionally honest, and thought provoking.

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

To find our guests: Lina Haji, Psy.D., LMHC & Dr. Mac Hereford, Ph.D

https://www.risepsychological.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rise_psychological_services/

https://revealpsychology.com/

https://www.instagram.com/revealingtheivorytowerpodcast/

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

8:20 Scenes

19:04 Interview

1:43:00 Unknown Number Talk

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:

ONO Roller

https://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng

Bubs Naturals

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

In honor of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, we’re joined by Alicia Pelton, Program Director for Coaching HER at the University of Minnesota’s Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport.

With more than 35 years of experience as a coach, athletic director, and consultant, Alicia brings a powerful perspective on women’s burnout, leadership, mental health, and equity in sport.

Using the film Bad Moms as a lens, we discuss the invisible mental load women carry, identity loss, affirming coaching practices, why women leave sports, and how systems can change to support girls and women more effectively.

We also talk openly about therapy, boundaries, motherhood, and what it looks like to choose yourself without shame.

This episode is for coaches, parents, educators, and leaders who want to create healthier, more equitable environments for women and girls.

👇 Resources and links below

📌 Coaching HER at the Tucker Center

📌 How to bring this work into your school or program

To find our new guest: Alicia Pelton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciapelton/

https://www.coachingher.com/

https://www.instagram.com/aliciapelton22/?hl=en

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

8:36 Scenes

13:16 Interview

1:35:09 Bad Mom Talk

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:

ONO Roller

https://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng

Bubs Naturals

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness