Different Spectrums Podcast ™️

Different Spectrums Podcast ™️

By Dr. Naz, LCSW, DSW, CEPHealth & FitnessMental Health
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Different Spectrums Podcast ™️ episodes

  • Chad Powers and Why Self Hatred Feels Safer Than Hope

    In this episode of the Different Spectrums Podcast, we break down Chad Powers and explore what happens when grief, shame, and identity loss collide. This film gives us a raw look at how anger, narcissistic defenses, and self-sabotage often mask deep pain, abandonment, and unresolved grief.


    We examine the father-son dynamic, the need for approval, and the moment when a single loss can fracture someone’s entire sense of self. Using key scenes from the movie, we discuss how people spiral into self-hatred, adopt false identities, and push others away while desperately wanting connection.


    This episode speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt cursed, broken, or convinced they are a burden to others. We talk about why people repeat destructive cycles, why grief can turn into rage, and how healing often begins when one person refuses to give up on 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:


    0:00 Attention

    0:59 Intro

    6:47 Scenes

    21:21 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.


    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

    1 hr 38 min
  • What Happens When Your Identity Disappears Overnight | Interstellar with Dr. Dakotah Tyler

    Today’s episode features a truly powerful and layered conversation with Dr. Dakotah Tyler, an astrophysicist, professor, former Division I football player, and deeply curious human being. ⁨@CuriosityTheoryPod⁩


    Before earning his PhD, Dakotah was a running back whose football career ended suddenly due to injury. What followed was a period of depression, identity loss, suicidality, and profound uncertainty. In this episode, he walks us through what it meant to lose the one future he thought defined him, and how curiosity ultimately became the thing that saved his life.


    We break down a pivotal scene from Interstellar to explore urgency, leadership, risk, and decision making under pressure. From there, the conversation expands to include athletics, masculinity, emotional regulation, burnout, and why so many former athletes struggle when their sport ends. Dakotah also introduces the idea of “signal versus noise” and how learning to separate the two can radically change how we understand our thoughts, emotions, and life choices.


    This episode is about reinvention, grief, science, curiosity, and the reminder that your life can have more than one purpose. Whether you are grieving a lost dream, starting over later than expected, or searching for meaning after burnout, this conversation 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.


    To find our new guest: Dr Dakotah Tyler

    https://www.dakotahtyler.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/dr.starkid/

    https://linktr.ee/curiositytheorypod

    ⁨@CuriosityTheoryPod⁩


    Episode Breakdown:


    0:00 Attention

    0:59 Intro

    5:27 Scenes

    14:06 Interview

    1:25:00 Interstellar 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

    1 hr 43 min
  • How The World Breaks Gentle People | Mr Deeds

    Season 4 of the Different Spectrums Podcast begins with a heartfelt and hilarious breakdown of Adam Sandler’s Mr. Deeds.


    In this episode, Dr. Naz and Spencer return to their roots with a solo episode focused on innocence, kindness, neurodivergence, and what happens when a gentle, creative spirit is thrown into a harsh corporate world.


    We explore themes of masking, stimming, echolalia, bullying, betrayal, and staying true to who you are, even when the world tries to change you. From airplane sing-alongs to poetry shaming to standing up for your values, Mr. Deeds becomes a powerful story about being different in a world that does not always make room for difference.


    This episode is funny, nostalgic, and emotionally grounding. Thank you for starting Season 4 with us.


    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

    6:42 Scenes

    21:15 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.


    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

    1 hr 30 min
  • Supporting Autistic Students: A School Based Q And A With Dr. Naz

    Today’s episode is not a traditional podcast. This is a question-and-answer session following the fall keynote speech I delivered, focused exclusively on supporting autistic students in K-12 school settings.


    This episode captures my responses to educators, social workers, and school staff as they asked practical, real-world questions about how to better support autistic kids in their classrooms. While you may hear parts of the audience, the focus is on my answers and how I approach advocacy, regulation, boundaries, and collaboration within school systems.


    We discuss how to advocate for students, navigate difficult conversations with administrators, set professional boundaries, and support autistic students in regulating throughout the school day. This episode also offers a clear look at how I show up in my clinical role, which is more structured, intentional, and focused than our usual podcast conversations.


    If you are an educator, clinician, school social worker, or anyone working with autistic children, this episode is for you. If you are looking for practical, affirming guidance grounded in lived experience and clinical practice, you will find significant value here.


    You will not see my face in this recording, only a view from the audience, but I wanted to share this to give a realistic picture of what it is like to sit with me in a professional and clinical setting.


    If autism focused content in school settings is not what you are looking for right now, feel free to skip this episode. We have a new season of recordings starting later this week, with many new guests and returning favorites.


    Please continue to comment, tag, and share who you want us to interview next. You can leave suggestions in the comments or send a message directly.


    Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast.


    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 key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and perhaps find some validation in them.


    Episode Breakdown:


    0:00 Attention

    0:59 Intro

    2:31 Q and A


    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

    1 hr 24 min
  • 3rd Annual Awards Show: What We Loved, Learned, and What Comes Next | 2025 Wrapped

    This episode is our official 2025 Year In Review and one of our most meaningful conversations of the year.


    We look back on our favorite guests, the scenes and moments that moved us most, and the annual awards we present to honor the people and episodes that shaped the podcast. We talk about why specific conversations mattered so deeply, what they brought to the show, and how they impacted us personally and professionally.


    We also reflect honestly on growth. We discuss what we want to improve, the mistakes we learned from, and how we want to evolve going forward. That includes exploring more series-based episodes, shorter, more focused breakdowns, and new creative formats, rather than relying solely on long one- to two-hour recordings.


    This year did not happen in a vacuum. We acknowledge the broader cultural and global context surrounding the podcast, including autism misinformation, political discourse, protests, death, and Palestine. These realities influenced the emotional tone of many conversations, and we believe it is important to name that openly.


    Most importantly, this episode is about community. We want to know which people you'd like us to interview next year and which movies, shows, clips, or characters you'd like us to break down. Tag them in the comments and tell us what matters to you. We are actively building next year's guest list from your suggestions.


    Thank you for supporting the podcast and growing with us. We are excited for what comes next.


    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 key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and perhaps find some validation in them.


    Episode Breakdown:


    0:00 Attention

    0:59 Intro

    3:50 Awards


    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

    1 hr 25 min
  • Iron Man’s Rage Explained: Captain America Civil War and Trauma | Feat. ⁨Frankly Built⁩

    Today’s episode is one of our most fun and meaningful conversations yet.


    We are joined by the one and only Frank Lee, also known as the Iron Man suit guy. Frank is a wildly successful 3D printer, cosplayer, content creator, military veteran, and educator who turned a passion discovered during COVID into a full-time career reaching millions.


    Frank shares his journey through the military, the grief of losing his father, and how therapy helped him process pain instead of suppressing it. We talk openly about mental health advocacy and why seeking professional help matters.


    We also nerd out over Captain America: Civil War and break down the iconic scene where Tony Stark learns the truth about his father’s death. We explore rage, grief, emotional blackouts, and how trauma can hijack the nervous system in moments of betrayal and loss.


    Topics we cover include

    3D printing as creativity and regulation

    Military experiences and mental health

    Grief and therapy

    Building a career during COVID

    The psychology of Civil War

    Anger and emotional overwhelm

    Cosplay education and community outreach

    And the correct way to put on ChapStick


    This episode is funny, emotional, inspiring, and chaotic in the best way.


    Follow Frank Lee on YouTube and Instagram.

    Watch the full episode now.

    Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of mental health, nerd culture, and humanity.


    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 key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and perhaps find some validation in them.


    To find our new guest: Frank Lee

    @FranklyBuilt

    https://linktr.ee/Frankly_Built

    https://www.instagram.com/frankly_built/


    Episode Breakdown:


    0:00 Attention

    0:59 Intro

    10:17 Scenes

    20:51 Interview

    1:37:04 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.


    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

    2 hr 29 min
  • The Keynote That Will Change How You See Autism | INSSWA 2025 Keynote

    Today’s episode is a keynote speech delivered for the Indiana School Social Workers Association. In this conversation, we break down the entire landscape of autism, what the research says, what clinicians miss, how comorbidities mask symptoms, and how schools can better identify and affirm autistic youth.


    We especially focus on women and BIPOC students who are diagnosed years later than their peers and often misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, OCD, or behavioral issues.

    This keynote teaches professionals how to shift from an outdated model to a neurodivergent affirming approach grounded in compassion, curiosity, and science.


    Topics covered

    Understanding modern autism research

    Hidden autistic traits in women and BIPOC youth

    Eating disorders, ADHD, OCD hypomobility, and masking

    Why misdiagnosis happens

    How early intervention actually helps

    How to assess autism through a biopsychosocial lens

    How to create safe, affirming school environments


    Thank you to the Indiana School Social Workers Association for the honor of speaking. Please share this episode with fellow clinicians, educators, and mental health teams supporting neurodivergent students.


    To find the INSSWA folks:

    https://www.insswa.org/events/fall-conference


    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 key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and perhaps find some validation in them.


    Episode Breakdown:


    0:00 Attention

    0:59 Intro

    2:24 Keynote Talk

    1:24:24 Sugested Content


    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

    1 hr 25 min
  • Adaptive Sports Are Not Inspiration Porn: Here Is The Real Story | Feat. Abbey Phillipson

    Today, we are joined by the incredible Abbey Phillipson, University of Michigan’s Head Para Strength and Conditioning Coach and Para Powerlifting Coach.

    This episode is honest, hilarious, emotional, and one of our favorite recordings ever.


    Abbey takes us through her journey of growing up with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, navigating surgeries and chronic pain, fighting to be seen by medical professionals, and discovering strength training in a disabled body. Her story challenges stereotypes about disability and reveals how empowering it is to build strength on your own terms.


    We explore her path into coaching, the brilliant athletes she works with, and how para strength and conditioning changed her life.

    Abbey also breaks down the Peacock series Adaptive and explains why it is one of the most authentic representations of disabled athletes ever filmed.


    🧠 In this episode, we explore:

    disability identity and masking

    finding community later in life

    chronic pain and resilience

    athlete identity beyond disability

    The difference between representation and exploitation

    Why Adaptive gets it right

    coaching philosophy for para athletes

    The human side of disability that the media often ignores


    This conversation is a must-listen for disabled folks, athletes, coaches, neurodivergent listeners, and anyone who has ever felt different in their own body.


    🎧 Watch the full episode now and follow Abbey Phillipson to support her coaching and para athletes.


    💬 questions for you

    What part of Abbey’s story hit you the hardest

    Do you think disabled athletes are represented fairly in the media

    Have you ever felt pressure to hide your own pain


    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 key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and perhaps find some validation in them.


    To find our new guest: Abbey Phillipson

    https://www.instagram.com/abbeyphillipson/

    https://www.instagram.com/umichadaptivesports/

    https://www.umadaptivesports.com/

    @universityofmichiganadapti702


    Episode Breakdown:


    0:00 Attention

    0:59 Intro

    8:52 Scenes

    12:31 Interview

    1:24:31 Scene 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.


    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

    1 hr 51 min
  • Star Wars and the Mind Body Connection and Somatic Healing with Dr Erin Hayford

    In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr Erin Hayford, naturopathic doctor and somatic practitioner, to explore somatic healing through the lens of Star Wars: A New Hope.

    This is one of our deepest, most transformative conversations about trauma, chronic illness, intuition, and the journey back to your authentic self.


    We talk about Luke Skywalker’s loss of his family, the grief he carries, the fear he faces, and how he finally trusts himself enough to turn off the targeting system and rely on the Force.

    Dr Erin explains how illness can become a call to adventure, an invitation to step onto a new path, and reconnect with your true identity.


    She shares her personal healing journey with Crohn’s disease the decade she spent rebuilding her health and the creation of her Sacred Illness Blueprint a somatic framework that has helped many people heal their bodies and regulate their nervous systems.


    🧠 In this episode, we explore

    What somatic healing really is

    How trauma lives inside the body

    How chronic illness is often a spiritual and emotional awakening

    Why intuition becomes one of our greatest healing tools

    How grounding breathwork and body awareness regulate the nervous system

    Luke Skywalker is an example of the hero’s journey

    the moment you must trust yourself over everything else


    If you have ever struggled with chronic pain, panic shutdown, depression, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from your body, this episode is for you.


    🎧 Watch now and follow Dr Erin Hayford for somatic training programs and healing content.


    💬 questions for you

    Do you feel connected or disconnected from your body

    Has illness ever changed the direction of your life

    What helps you trust your intuition


    To find our new guest: Dr. Erin Hayford ⁨@sacredillness⁩

    https://www.aurorasomatic.com/about

    https://www.aurorasomatic.com/begin

    https://www.instagram.com/drerinhayford/


    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

    6:32 Scenes

    15:40 Interview

    56:54 Scene 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.


    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

    1 hr 44 min
  • Parenting Through Crisis What NAMI Wants Every Family to Know | Greta Kjos

    Today, we are joined by the incredible Greta Kjos, JD, a brilliant mother, lawyer, advocate, and the Director of Children’s Programming for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This episode is different from our usual movie and show breakdowns. Today, we sit in real lived experience, real emotion, and real community healing.


    Greta brings us her journey moving from the legal world into mental health advocacy and the deeply personal path she walked supporting her daughter through severe mental illness. She opens up about the grief, the fear, the confusion, and the profound hope that comes when parents find community, education, and support.


    We talk about the book she wrote “I Am the Ocean A Memoir of Motherhood Mental Health and Coming Home to Myself” This powerful memoir captures the heartbreak and resilience of a mother trying to love her child fiercely while also learning to love herself again.


    🧠 In this episode, we explore

    The experience of parenting a child with severe mental illness feeling judged and isolated by friends family and schools how support groups become lifesaving the role of NAMI and its pillars:

    support

    advocacy

    education

    How to find local resources in your state

    Why healing begins with the parent

    How community protects us from burnout and despair

    Boundaries and self-care when you are a caregiver


    Greta shares how many families feel ashamed to speak openly about mental illness even though nearly every household is impacted in some way.

    We talk about how to shift this silence how to advocate for your children and how to accept the reality you are in without losing yourself in fear or guilt.


    She reminds us that healing takes time.

    Nothing changes overnight.

    But when parents receive real support and real community, their children have a stronger chance of getting better too.


    This episode is for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who has ever felt alone while navigating mental health crises in their family.


    💬 questions for you


    Have you ever supported a loved one through a mental health crisis

    What helped you feel less alone

    What resources or community support do you wish more people knew about


    To find our new guest: Greta Kjos

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/greta-kjos/


    To find her book: I Am the Ocean: A Memoir of Motherhood, Mental Health, and Coming Home to Myself

    https://www.amazon.com/Am-Ocean-Memoir-Motherhood-Mental/dp/163489510X


    Looking for support: Nami

    https://namimn.org/

    https://www.instagram.com/nami_minnesota_helps/


    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

    4:34 Interview


    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

    1 hr 11 min

About Different Spectrums Podcast ™️

From the publisher's feed

Get ready for an exhilarating mental health podcast featuring our incredible cast of therapists and guest experts from around the world! Join us as we dive into movies and shows through a neurodivergent lens, igniting lively discussions and expanding your understanding. With diverse voices and global perspectives, our podcast promises to entertain, enlighten, and connect you to a vibrant community. Buckle up for a thrilling ride of therapy, laughter, and meaningful conversations.