Different Spectrums Podcast ™️

Today, we are joined by the hilarious, thoughtful, and down-to-earth therapist Catherine Edelstein, LMFT, as we break down the mental health themes inside The Dark Knight.

From Two-Face to Joker to Batman himself, this movie is one of the most accurate portrayals of trauma, duality, addiction, and survival.

Catherine brings her lived experience working with unhoused communities and people struggling with substance use and helps us understand why so many characters in this film feel painfully real.

We talk about why people flip between calm and chaos, why intrusive thoughts feel so terrifying, why addiction becomes a survival tool, and why so many of us are only a few bad days away from crisis.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they have different versions of themselves one masked and one hurting one trying to keep it together and one wanting to fall apart.

We explore personality disorders trauma responses harm reduction and the parts of us that show up when life gets too heavy.

🖤 In this episode we explore

being two faced in real life

unhoused communities and mental health

trauma and personality changes

substance use and harm reduction

the psychology of chaos

intrusive thoughts and hopelessness

values and becoming who we want to be

Catherine also helps us debunk the idea that people are “just bad” by showing us how trauma poverty lack of resources and survival needs shape the behaviors we judge the most.

🧠 This conversation is raw honest and full of compassion.

If you’ve ever struggled with your thoughts your impulses or the feeling of being overwhelmed this episode is for you.

🎧 Watch the full episode now

And make sure to follow Catherine Edelstein for her incredible memes and powerful work supporting folks navigating substance use and homelessness.

To find our new guest: Catherine Edelstein

https://www.instagram.com/therapist.memes.fordramaqueens/

https://www.instagram.com/catherineetherapy/

💬 Questions for the comments

Which character in The Dark Knight do you relate to the most

Do you notice different “versions” of yourself under stress

What part of Joker or Two-Face’s story hit you the hardest

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

3:44 Scenes

13:31 Interview

43:34 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

Today’s episode is something special. We’re joined by Stephanie Mitchell — a former Division I track and field athlete, brilliant geologist, proud Black woman, and fellow neurodivergent friend of the show.

Together we explore All American and dive deep into the emotional themes it portrays — identity, anger, loss, resilience, and the constant search for belonging. Stephanie brings her unique perspective as both an athlete and a neurodivergent woman to unpack what these moments mean for those who have felt unseen, unheard, or misunderstood.

💬 In this episode, we explore:

🏃‍♀️ The pressure on athletes, especially Black women, to push through pain and perfectionism

🎭 The exhaustion of masking and code-switching to fit into spaces that were not built for us

💔 The complexity of anger and grief when we lose people we love

🧠 Hypervigilance and the trauma of constantly reading and reacting to unsafe environments

🤝 The importance of mentorship, community, and having someone remind you that rest is not weakness

This episode is about being human in all its forms — breaking down the barriers between pain and healing, between anger and love, and between loneliness and belonging.

Stephanie reminds us that community is what saves us, that even in our hardest moments, connection is where we find hope again.

💭 Questions for You

Have you ever struggled with anger or grief after loss

Do you ever feel pressure to keep pushing even when you’re exhausted

What helps you find peace or support when you feel disconnected

🎧 Watch the full episode now on YouTube and listen anywhere you get your podcasts

🔗 Link in bio

Follow @Differentspectrumspodcast and connect with Stephanie Mitchell to support more incredible neurodivergent and Black creators in STEM and sports

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: Stephanie Mitchell

https://www.instagram.com/steph_a_b15/

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

4:34 Scenes

11:42 Interview

1:01:00 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

Today’s episode is a powerful one. We’re joined by Dr. Sara Roldan, a therapist, professor, lecturer, and host of Our Oasis Community Podcast, as we break down Marvel’s Thunderbolts and explore its deep connection to mental health.

This film gives us so much to talk about — depression, isolation, self-hatred, and the painful but beautiful process of learning to love yourself again. Together, we dive into some of the most emotional moments and themes that show how healing often begins in community, not solitude.

💔 Key Topics We Explore

🌙 The struggle with self-hatred, emptiness, and the loss of identity after trauma

🧠 Depression and the metaphor of “the Void” — when darkness becomes all we see

🤝 The power of community healing and why we can’t recover alone

💬 Finding companionship after isolation and rebuilding trust

💡 Reconnecting with the inner child that trauma made us forget

Dr. Roldan also shares her insight on how fandom, nerddom, and geek culture can be used as healing tools in therapy. She opens up about her work supporting young women who are survivors of domestic, emotional, and sexual abuse — and how stories like Thunderbolts remind us of resilience, connection, and hope.

This conversation is both emotional and affirming. It’s about learning to hug the parts of yourself that you’ve tried to hide, to love the broken pieces, and to surround yourself with people who remind you that you are not alone.

💭 Questions for You

Which Thunderbolts character do you relate to most

Have you ever felt lost in your purpose or disconnected from yourself

What helps you find your community when you feel isolated

Be sure to check out Dr. Roldan’s podcast, The Oasis Community Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms 🌿

To find our new guest: Dr Sara Roldan ⁨@ouroasiscommunity⁩

https://www.instagram.com/ouroasiscommunitypodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.roldan.sara/

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

3:12 scenes

15:04 Interview

101:00 Movie 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

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

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

Today’s episode is extra special. We’re joined by Quincy Simmons, one of our amazing fans, a fellow autistic advocate, and a current college student who came ready with thoughtful questions about autism, neurodivergence, and real-world misconceptions.

Together, we break down some of the most common myths and stereotypes surrounding autism and explore how they shape the way society views neurodivergent people. We talk about how autism exists on a spectrum and why it is never just one thing — it is a beautiful, nuanced combination of traits, experiences, and intersections that make each individual unique.

Quincy brings us the show The Good Doctor, where we explore scenes featuring Dr. Shaun Murphy and connect them to real experiences in the autistic community.

We discuss:

💬 The struggle of self-advocacy in professional and academic spaces

💔 What happens when people misread our emotions or assume we lack empathy

💡 How sensory overload and meltdowns are often misunderstood

🙌 Why autistic and neurodivergent people deserve inclusion and understanding

🧠 The importance of seeing intelligence, emotion, and ability through a neurodivergent lens

We also share personal reflections on handshakes, social cues, overstimulation, and how our emotions can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood. This conversation is open, funny, emotional, and full of education for anyone looking to understand autism more deeply.

Quincy’s insight and curiosity shine through in this conversation, reminding us of the power of learning from one another and amplifying neurodivergent voices.

💭 Questions for You

What is one autism myth you wish people would stop believing

Have you ever felt misunderstood because of the way you communicate

What does self-advocacy look like for you in your daily life

And make sure to go follow and support Quincy Simmons’ podcast, The Masks We Wear — now available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 🎧 Give it a listen and help uplift more neurodivergent creators sharing their truth.

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: Quincy Simmons

https://www.instagram.com/quincy495/

https://linktr.ee/QTheCreative

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

5:02 Scenes

10:00 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

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

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

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the amazing Nicole A. Belgrave, a warm-hearted therapist, educator, and advocate who brings her insight and humor to the HBO hit series Insecure by Issa Rae. Together, we explore friendship, communication, and the challenges that come with growing alongside people you love.

We take a deep dive into some of the most emotional and relatable moments between Issa and Molly, two strong Black women whose friendship begins to fracture under the weight of unspoken resentment, shifting success, and emotional distance. Nicole helps us unpack the real-life lessons behind these scenes, including:

💛 Why miscommunication and assumptions destroy connection

💬 How fear of vulnerability keeps us guarded even from our closest friends

💔 What happens when jealousy or comparison sneaks into relationships

🪞 The importance of growing together instead of growing apart

💫 How to repair, rebuild, or release friendships with compassion

This episode is honest, funny, and full of heart. It’s about learning to love your people through their evolution, while also learning to love yourself through yours.

💭 Questions for You

Have you ever had a friendship that changed as you grew older

Do you find it hard to be vulnerable with your closest friends

What’s one lesson you’ve learned about communication in relationships

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: Nicole A. Belgrave

https://www.instagram.com/gingeralewontfixthis/

https://linktr.ee/nbelgrave.lmhc

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

5:14 Scenes

13:37 Interview

53:06 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

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

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

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the amazing Zahraa Al-Jameel, a fellow autistic advocate, law student, and content creator who uses her voice to empower and educate others. Together, we dive into the Netflix series Wednesday and explore why so many neurodivergent people see themselves in Wednesday Addams.

We break down powerful scenes from the show, including:

🧩 Wednesday’s confrontation with the principal about the school’s dark history and what it means to be labeled an “outcast”

⚖️ The challenges of living in the gray areas of life as neurodivergent people

💬 The pain of being called “exhausting” or “too much” and how that impacts self-worth

🔥 Why many autistic and disabled folks reject being idolized or placed on pedestals

💜 The beauty of authenticity, self-acceptance, and learning to love yourself even when the world misunderstands you

Zahraa opens up about her experiences navigating relationships, embracing self-love, and continuing to advocate for others in her community. This episode is full of laughter, insight, and heartfelt reflection on what it means to be proudly different in a world that doesn’t always understand.

💭 Questions for You

Do you ever see yourself in Wednesday Addams?

Have you ever felt misunderstood for simply being yourself?

What does self-acceptance look like for you as a neurodivergent person?

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: Zahraa Al-Jameel

⁨@theautizztichabibbaddie⁩

https://www.instagram.com/theautizztichabibbaddie/

https://portaly.cc/zahraaaljameel

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

3:27 Scenes

7:52 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

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

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

Today we’re diving deep into one of the most emotional and powerful films on Netflix — K-Pop Demon Hunters. We’re joined by Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD, a triple board-certified psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and YouTube creator who’s helping redefine representation in medicine and media.

Together, we explore:

💔 What it means to live with shame, guilt, and loneliness when you feel “different”

🔥 The power of self-acceptance and affirming relationships

🧠 Why masking and hiding your identity can be so painful for neurodivergent folks

💞 The healing moment in the film when she cries out, “I need you to love all of me” — and why it resonates with so many of us

This episode blends emotion, culture, and mental health in a conversation that will move you to tears and laughter.

🎧 Watch now on YouTube and subscribe to Different Spectrums Podcast for more authentic conversations on mental health, neurodivergence, and pop culture.

✨ Be sure to follow Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza for more incredible insights and healing work!

💬 Join the conversation:

What moment in K-Pop Demon Hunters hit you the hardest?

Have you ever felt unseen — and what helped you heal?

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 @TheKicksShrink

Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD

https://www.instagram.com/thekicksshrink/

https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamd

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

6:56 Scenes

19:22 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

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

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

Today we’re beyond honored to be joined by the brilliant Dr. Akeem Nassor Marsh — a highly respected, board-certified Black psychiatrist, professor, author, and true inspiration.

Together we dive into Marvel’s Ironheart on Disney+ and use it as a lens to explore:

💔 The complexity of grief, from childhood losses to family, dreams, and community

🧠 How trauma can make us compartmentalize — hiding good memories to avoid painful ones

🪞 Representation & mentorship — why it matters for Black and Brown youth to see themselves in positions of power

🎭 The balance between nerd culture, mental health, and hope for the future

Dr. Marsh shares powerful wisdom on healing, community, and why we must sit with both the joy and the sorrow to truly grow. He also breaks down scenes from Ironheart — from laughter with family to grief, loss, and the moment “Ironheart” was born.

📚 Be sure to support Dr. Marsh and check out his book Not Just Bad Kids!

💭 Question for you:

How do you personally process grief — do you lean in or pull away?

Which Marvel character has taught you the most about resilience and representation?

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. Akeem Nassor Marsh

https://www.instagram.com/_doc_ak/

https://linktr.ee/AMarshMD

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

6:08 Scenes

17:15 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

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

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

Today we’re diving deep into The Matrix with our amazing guest, Kimika Banfield — HR specialist, content creator, autistic and ADHD advocate.

We explore what it really means to live inside “the Matrix” and the courage it takes to break free, unmask, and live authentically as a neurodivergent person.

✨ In this episode we cover:

🟦 Red Pill vs. Blue Pill: Why so many of us choose comfort, safety, and masking… but what freedom looks like once you step out.

👗 The Girl in the Red Dress: Distractions, illusions, and how the world pulls our focus from what truly matters.

🌀 Burnout & The Corporate Rat Race: Kimika’s journey through Fortune 500 burnout and learning to set real boundaries.

🧠 Autism & ADHD Together: How late diagnosis, unmasking, and affirming differences reshaped her life and identity.

❤️ Life Beyond the Matrix: Parenting, dating, love, career changes, and what keeps us motivated to move forward.

This conversation is funny, real, and packed with wisdom from a fellow neurodivergent voice of color navigating a world not built for us.

🔗 Watch, listen, and subscribe for more:

Apple | Spotify | YouTube

👉 Questions for you:

Would you take the red pill or blue pill?

What distractions keep you in your own “Matrix”?

How has unmasking changed your life?

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: Kimika Banfield

https://www.instagram.com/makeitneurodivergent/

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

5:33 Scenes

12:37 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:

Let our sponsor, BetterHelp, connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/dsp and enjoy a special discount on your first month.

ONO Roller

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

Bubs Naturals

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

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

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

Today we’re joined by Tony Weaver Jr., one of the top children’s authors in America and the brilliant mind behind Weirdo. Tony is a trailblazer in storytelling, literacy, and representation, and he brings a raw and inspiring conversation to the pod.

This episode goes deep into:

Being different: what it means to embrace your “weirdness” and live authentically

Mental health and survival: Tony’s vulnerable story of suicidality and resilience

Naruto and anime lessons: how this iconic series reflects the struggles of outcasts, powers, and perseverance

Mentorship and belonging: the life-changing impact of having someone believe in you

Purpose and giving back: Tony’s mission to expand literacy and empower the next generation

This isn’t just a podcast episode—it’s a reminder that you are not alone, you are worthy, and your difference is your superpower.

📚 Support Tony’s work and his mission to raise money for literacy initiatives.

🎧 Full episode available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

💬 Questions for you:

What anime or story helped you feel less alone?

Who’s been a mentor in your life that believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself?

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join the Different Spectrums community.

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: Tony Weaver Jr

https://donorbox.org/nerds-for-literacy?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadRJUcqGcD1dGEoKcweujExJzTM37SWRYjPIguIVnTQ4VCxbYSwYLY0GlpSIg_aem_8EA3Bu-rfX-vjv-nMVSkQA

https://www.tonyweaverjr.com/

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

9:41 Scenes

18:27 Discussion

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