In this episode of Embracing Intensity, host Aurora Remember sits down with Caroline J. Sumlin, author of We’ll All Be Free: How a Culture of White Supremacy Devalues Us and How We Can Reclaim Our True Worth. Together, they explore the intersection of intensity, self-worth, and collective liberation.

Caroline shares her journey from feeling like she was “too much” to reclaiming her intensity as a gift. They dive into how societal systems—especially those rooted in white supremacy—fuel perfectionism, hustle culture, and the feeling of never being good enough. This conversation is both deeply personal and action-oriented, offering tools for doing the inner work to break free from these toxic systems and reclaim your inherent worth.

Caroline J. Sumlin is a writer, speaker, and educator whose work focuses on dismantling the toxic cultural messages rooted in white supremacy that tell us we are never enough. She empowers individuals—especially Black women and other marginalized communities—to reclaim their self-worth and reimagine a liberated, fulfilling life.

Her book, We’ll All Be Free, blends personal narrative, social commentary, and actionable guidance to help readers break free from perfectionism, self-doubt, and societal pressure.

• The Never-Enough Culture – How systems of white supremacy drive perfectionism and keep us striving to prove our worth.

• Intensity as a Gift – Caroline’s journey from being labeled “intense” to recognizing her passion as a source of power.

• Masking and Cultural Expectations – The pressure on Black women to tone down their true selves and “fit in.”

• Self-Discovery as Liberation – Why examining how systems shape our beliefs is essential to personal and collective freedom.

• Finding Outlets for Intensity – How Caroline channels her energy through writing, tennis, acting, and music.

• The Power of Rest and Reclaiming Time – How rest can be a radical act of resistance in a culture that values productivity over well-being.

• Navigating ADHD and Giftedness – Caroline’s exploration into her own possible neurodivergence and her daughter’s twice-exceptionality journey.

• Ripple Effect Change – Why small, intentional actions can lead to lasting, collective transformation.

• Your worth is not tied to your productivity.

• Systems of oppression benefit from keeping us feeling “not enough.”

• Intensity is a strength when you learn to embrace and channel it.

• Rest is a radical act of resistance against hustle culture.

• Small, personal shifts can ripple outward to create collective change.

• Caroline’s Website 

• Follow Caroline on Instagram & Threads: @carolinejsumlin

• Book: We’ll All Be Free – Support independent bookstores via Bookshop.org

• Embracing Intensity Community 

•  Embracing Intensity Mastermind (Coupon Code: EARLYBIRD25)

• Twice-Exceptionality Stories Playlist (YouTube)

In this episode of Embracing Intensity, I’m thrilled to welcome Sheldon Gay, host of the I Must Be Buggin’ podcast. Sheldon brings his insightful perspective on navigating life as a late-identified gifted and neurodivergent individual. His podcast and work are dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and empowering others to embrace their unique identities.

We explore the challenges and beauty of being true to oneself in a world that often misunderstands intensity, neurodivergence, and giftedness. Sheldon’s passion for self-discovery, emotional depth, and compassionate communication shines through in this powerful conversation.

About Sheldon:

Sheldon Gay is the host of the I Must Be Buggin’ podcast, where he delves into topics of identity, giftedness, and neurodivergence through the lens of being Black, underrepresented, and gifted. His mission is to create a space for self-awareness, acceptance, and growth, while helping others see and embrace their unique strengths.

Sheldon’s background as a late-identified gifted and neurodivergent individual has fueled his passion for helping others on their journey of self-discovery. He brings a thoughtful, empathetic approach to conversations on identity, culture, and the power of authenticity.

In This Episode:

• Navigating Identity as a Late-Identified Neurodivergent Individual – Sheldon shares his journey of discovering his giftedness and neurodivergence later in life.

• Ask vs. Guess Culture – A deep dive into communication styles, cultural nuances, and how self-awareness can help bridge differences.

• The Power of Self-Discovery – Reflections on how shadow work and embracing authenticity can lead to freedom from shame and guilt.

• Intensity and Emotional Depth – Exploring how Sheldon’s intellectual curiosity and emotional intensity shape his interactions and relationships.

• Cultural Expectations and Exceptionalism – Discussing the pressures faced by marginalized communities and how giftedness intersects with cultural identity.

• Truth with Compassion – The importance of sharing truth in ways that create connection and understanding rather than division.

Resources & Links:

• Sheldon’s Website: Sheldon Gay is Buggin

• Listen to the I Must Be Buggin’ podcast

• Learn more about Sheldon’s speaking engagements

• Explore his neuroaffirming and anti-racist merchandise

• Join the Embracing Intensity Community 

• Connect with Aurora: Embracing Intensity

Sheldon’s thoughtful reflections and passion for empowering others provide invaluable insights for anyone navigating their own journey of self-discovery and authenticity. Tune in for an engaging and inspiring conversation!

Listen now and share your thoughts with us! 🎧✨

In this episode of Embracing Intensity, we’re excited to share the Q&A portion of our powerful conversation with Nneka Denise, founder of the Write to Heal Project. This discussion offers timely tools and insights as we reflect on letting go of the past year and preparing for a fresh, intentional start in the new year.

Nneka shares her transformative approach to healing through writing, addressing grief not only as it relates to loss but also to life transitions, personal growth, and emotional clarity. Whether you’re navigating stress, seeking emotional release, or exploring creative outlets, this episode provides practical strategies to help you move forward.

Nneka Denise is the founder of the Write to Heal Project and a trained end-of-life and bereavement doula based in the Portland-Vancouver area. Through journaling, visualization, and somatic practices, Nneka helps individuals process grief, trauma, and life’s emotional challenges. She also runs the New Wellness Center in downtown Portland, a collective of holistic healing practitioners offering vibrational sound baths, Reiki, massage, and emotional wellness support.

• The Science of Writing to Heal – How writing can help process emotions, grief, and transitions in life.
• Practical Writing Strategies – Tips for using gratitude journaling, brain dumps, and affirmations to create a daily healing practice.
• Ceremonial Release – The power of burning or shredding written emotions as a symbolic act of letting go.
• Affirmations for Healing – How to create affirmations that feel believable and achievable, guiding you toward positive change.
• Navigating Writing Challenges – Nneka’s advice for those with ADHD, dyslexia, or writing apprehensions, including voice dictation and alternative methods.

• Connect with Nneka on Instagram: @nneka_denise

• Contact Nneka via email: [email protected]

• Learn about the New Wellness Center in Downtown Portland (10th & Morrison)

• Explore the Embracing Intensity Community and Memberships.

• Preorder Aurora’s workbook, Energy Balance (Kindle edition), available this Friday, December 20th.

Nneka’s work offers invaluable tools for self-reflection, healing, and emotional growth through the simple yet profound act of writing. Whether you’re a lifelong journaler or just beginning your healing journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you process emotions and step into the new year with intention.

Listen now and take the first step toward embracing your own healing process! 🎧✨

In this highly engaging episode of the Embracing Intensity podcast, host Aurora Remember Holtzman dives deep into the world of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) with Bob Yamtich, a seasoned practitioner with over 20 years of experience. Bob shares how NVC has shaped his approach to relationships, parenting, and self-understanding, particularly as a neurodivergent individual. This conversation is packed with practical insights and tools for those seeking to enhance their self-connection and interpersonal communication.

About Bob Yamtich:

Bob Yamtich is a dedicated Nonviolent Communication trainer, therapist, and engineer. His journey into NVC began after his career as an environmental engineer, driven by his desire to contribute to societal change through better communication. Bob’s unique approach integrates empathy with analytical insights, honoring the importance of neurodivergence in his work and personal growth. He is a passionate advocate for using NVC as a bridge between self-awareness and impactful communication.

In This Episode:

• Bob’s personal journey with Nonviolent Communication and how it helped him find balance as a bipolar individual.

• The core principles of NVC: self-connection, empathy, and honesty.

• How to distinguish between needs and strategies, and why it matters in communication.

• The concept of holding multiple needs and strategies simultaneously for resilience and creativity.

• Balancing analytical insights with empathy in understanding neurodivergence.

• Practical exercises, including identifying three current needs and corresponding strategies.

• How NVC fosters community, shared power, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Bob’s experiences teaching NVC to diverse audiences, including children and incarcerated individuals.

• The shift from “battle mode” to “build mode” in creating meaningful connections.

Links and Resources:

• Learn more about Nonviolent Communication and its principles here.

• Learn more about Bob on his website!

• Explore Aurora’s Neurodivergent Toolbox and other resources at the Embracing Intensity Shop.

• Get 25% off Aurora's digital products and memberships with code BIRTHDAY24 (valid until Dec 2).

Whether you're new to Nonviolent Communication or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for enriching your connections with yourself and others. Tune in for a thought-provoking and uplifting discussion!

This episode of the Embracing Intensity podcast, features a detailed conversation with Heather Borman Morris about understanding narcissistic relationships and how they uniquely affect gifted and neurodivergent individuals. Heather, a clinical social worker, shares her personal experience with narcissistic abuse, providing insights on identifying covert narcissism versus mere intense interest, particularly in neurodivergent or twice-exceptional individuals. The discussion delves into strategies for recognizing and managing toxic relationships, differentiating between narcissism and authentic behaviors, and emphasizes the need for understanding personal boundaries and fostering healthy relationships post-abuse. The episode also introduces Heather's work, including her book 'A Thousand Paper Cuts' and the podcast 'Starting Stronger'.

About Heather:

Heather Boorman-Morris is a renowned therapist, speaker, and author dedicated to helping individuals heal and thrive after experiencing toxic relationships. With over two decades of experience in the field, Heather specializes in trauma recovery, relationship dynamics, and neurodivergent mental health. She is the founder of Starting Stronger and the author of the acclaimed book Thousand Paper Cuts: Finding Healing in the Aftermath of a Narcissist. Heather’s compassionate approach and deep understanding of complex emotional landscapes make her a sought-after expert in the journey towards healthy, fulfilling relationships.

In this episode:

• Heather joins the podcast to discuss navigating healthy relationships, focusing on narcissistic abuse.

• Heather shares her experience of being in an abusive relationship and later discovering covert narcissism.

• Discussion on the targeting of neurodivergent individuals by narcissists, highlighting their traits like empathy and ambition.

• Differences between overt and covert narcissists are outlined, including their stages of relationship: idealization, devaluation, and discard.

• Strategies like mirroring used by manipulators in relationships are explained.

• Emphasis on trusting one's body and intuition as indicators of being in a toxic relationship.

• Conversation on distinguishing between love bombing and genuine neurodivergent intensity.

• Importance of taking time to build relationships and recognizing genuine intentions.

• Discussion about the impact of past trauma and hyper-vigilance when forming new relationships.

Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events!

Embracing Intensity Memberships

Starting Stronger Podcast

A Thousand Papercuts

Interoception Website

In this enriching episode, Aurora hosts Marc, who shares his profound insights on neurodivergent leadership. Marc introduces himself by recounting his journey with ADHD, from his early school years to receiving his diagnosis at 16. This pivotal moment spurred him to embrace and understand his unique brain function, leading to his certification as an ADHD life coach. Marc speaks proudly of founding the Men's ADHD Support Group, a 501c3 nonprofit with over 17,000 members, aiming to empower men with ADHD. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging the inherent strengths of neurodivergent individuals rather than conforming to societal norms. Marc's empathetic and mentorship-driven leadership style, rooted in his personal experiences, serves as a testament to the potential and efficacy of neurodivergent leaders. He addresses challenges such as imposter syndrome, the importance of passion in leadership, and strategies for effective communication within his organization. The discussion also touches on the nuances of the ADHD label, stressing a balanced view that acknowledges both strengths and challenges.

Marc Almodovar Jr. is a neurodiversity advocate and the founder of the ADHD Men’s Support Group, a safe space where men with ADHD can connect with others who share common experiences and challenges. Marc’s personal experience with ADHD led him to feel isolated and misunderstood, and he recognized the need for a supportive community. He believes that by fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance within the group, men with ADHD can advocate for neurodiversity awareness and acceptance within society as a whole.

As a mental health advocate, Marc recognizes the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to create a space where men with ADHD can feel safe and supported regardless of their unique ways of thinking and experiencing the world. He is passionate about raising awareness about neurodiversity and helping people understand the diverse ways in which people experience the world. With a balance of authenticity and positivity, Marc inspires others to embrace their unique strengths and connect with others within the neurodiverse community.

• Marc discusses his experience with ADHD, including his diagnosis at 16 and its impact on his life.

• He shares how understanding his brain led him to personal development and becoming an ADHD life coach.

• Founding the Men's ADHD Support Group, a non-profit organization with over 17,000 members.

• People with ADHD often have strong leadership qualities.

• Leveraging strengths rather than conforming to societal norms.

• The importance of mentorship and leading by example.

• Personal and societal challenges neurodivergent leaders face, such as imposter syndrome and self-criticism.

• The value of self-affirmations and support systems in overcoming these challenges.

• Negative feedback and misconceptions about ADHD, especially related to gender.

• The need for safe spaces for men with ADHD and dispelling myths around the condition.

• Giving constructive feedback while staying authentic.

• Using “kind candor” and focusing on team collaboration to improve feedback delivery.

• Resources available for partners of men with ADHD, including support groups and public content.

• The debate around viewing ADHD as a gift versus a disorder.

• Recognizing both the strengths and challenges of ADHD without labeling it strictly as one or the other.

Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events!

Embracing Intensity Memberships

Join the ADHD Men’s Support Group

Follow the ADHD Men’s Support Group on Twitter

Follow Marc on Twitter

This week on the Embracing Intensity podcast, host Aurora discusses the transformative power of music with guest Princess Fortier. Princess shares her personal journey of using singing to alleviate her chronic migraines, which began at the age of 13. Despite initially pursuing neuroscience to find a medical cure, she discovered that singing provided significant relief from her symptoms. Aurora and Princess delve into how music can relax, heal, and foster emotional well-being, particularly for those with neurodivergent traits like ADHD and autism. They also explore the importance of community in musical healing practices and offer practical advice for using music and singing as therapeutic tools. Tips for finding and creating musical communities are discussed, along with the benefits of engaging in sound baths and circle singing.

About Princess:

Princess Fortier is a dynamic musician, speaker, and advocate for mental health and neurodivergence. With a rich background in using music as a therapeutic tool, she has dedicated her career to helping others find healing and self-expression through creative outlets. Princess's work emphasizes the emotional and psychological benefits of music, drawing from her personal experiences and professional expertise to inspire and empower her audience. She is known for her engaging and heartfelt presentations, making complex topics accessible and relatable to diverse audiences.

In this Episode:

• Princess shares how music has helped her understand and process emotions, learn about love, and find healing.
• Aurora introduces the "Embracing Intensity" podcast, aimed at gifted, creative, twice-exceptional individuals.
• Moving to a single monthly episode improved downloads.
• Princess discusses her journey studying neuroscience to find a cure for her migraines.
• Singing during a migraine attack unexpectedly relieved her symptoms.
• Aurora opens up Q&A, asking Princess about factors contributing to music helping with migraines.
• Princess explains the potential of music to relax and align with one's purpose, influencing mental and physical well-being.
• Community involvement in singing and music is encouraged for healing and creativity.
• Practical suggestions for engaging in music, such as joining choirs or attending sound bowl classes.
• Discussion on how specific songs and types of music can be personalized for therapeutic benefit.
• Auroras' philosophy: using her platform to allow others to share their voices.
• Princess's invitation to explore creating and experiencing music for personal therapy.
• Closing remarks emphasize continuing conversation and participating in the Embracing Intensity community.
• Aurora concludes with invitations to join the community for support and access to tools for self-regulation.

Princess on Instagram

Princess’ Website

Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events!

Embracing Intensity Memberships

In this solo episode, I delve into my personal journey of overcoming a prolonged burnout to explore the concept of truly restful rest. I discuss the five areas of energy balance—physical, emotional, mental, social, and connection—from my 'Balancing Your Time and Energy' workbook. Through my experience, including the importance of joy-driven activities, social connections, and the INCUP (Interest, Novelty, Challenge, Urgency, and Passion) framework, I provide practical advice on how to replenish energy reserves effectively. Also, discover the value of doing an energy audit to identify draining versus energizing activities. Learn more about my strategies for achieving genuine rest and explore my workbook collection for further guidance. 

In this Episode:

• Experiencing burnout and the importance of restful rest.

• Five Areas of Energy Balance: Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social, and Connection.

• Physical Rest: Emphasizes the importance of activities that truly relax the nervous system, like going for walks.

• Mental Rest: Stresses shifting focus to activities driven by joy rather than duty to avoid energy drain.

• Emotional Rest: Highlights the significance of assertive actions over anxiety-driven actions.

• Social Rest: Explains how spending time with comfortable social connections can be energizing.

• Connection: Discusses the importance of feeling connected to oneself, others, and the world.

• Motivation Factors: INCUP - Interest, Novelty, Challenge, Urgency, and Passion - as motivational strategies.

• Urgency: Talks about creating a sense of urgency through public accountability to stay motivated.

• Challenge: Transforming tasks into challenges to stay engaged and motivated.

• Interest: Recommends revisiting previous interests to reignite passion.

• Novelty and Passion: Encourages switching things up to maintain novelty and passion in tasks.

• Join our upcoming community call on the healing power of music!

Resources:

Join the Embracing Intensity Community for our upcoming call!

In this episode of the Embracing Intensity podcast, host Aurora Remember Holtzman interviews Bob Yamtich about his journey with intensity, nonviolent communication (NVC), and self-connection. Bob shares his personal experiences with bipolar disorder and hypomania, the importance of shared reality, and his passion for self-connection. He discusses his work, including his self-connection coloring book, and provides insights into the practice of NVC for both self-awareness and enhancing interpersonal communication. Aurora and Bob also delve into the challenges and rewards of forming in-person connections and the role of intensity in their lives. The episode concludes with Bob's emphasis on the foundational role of self-connection in his approach to NVC and a preview of his upcoming live discussion on the topic.

About Bob:

Bob Yamtich is a therapist and Nonviolent Communication trainer. He completed his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering in 2003, the BayNVC Nonviolent Communication Leadership Program in 2007 (assisting in LP08), and his Master’s in Counseling Psychology in 2011. He earned his Marriage and Family Therapist license in California in 2014. He was a founding member of the Da Vinci Center for Gifted Children in Alameda, CA, and Genesis Innovation Academy in Atlanta, GA. Bob currently lives in Indiana and offers phone coaching and in-person training. He can be followed on Twitter @BobYamtich.

In this episode:

• Introduction by Bob about trusting intensity based on shared reality and positive contributions.

• Aurora introduces Bob Yamtich, mentioning his upcoming talk on Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and their mutual appreciation for NVC.

• Bob expresses gratitude for being on the podcast.

• Aurora asks Bob about what he is intensely passionate about; Bob mentions his role as a dad and his professional passion for developing self-connection, highlighting his self-connection coloring book.

• Discussion on how NVC helps both with self-connection and interpersonal communication.

• Bob speaks about overcoming hypomania and psychosis, emphasizing the need for stability and shared reality.

• Bob shares his journey with bipolar disorder and the importance of medication alongside therapeutic practices.

• Aurora asks about the impact of intensity during Bob's upbringing; Bob shares how his extreme passion led to feelings of guilt and loneliness.

• Bob mentions his gifted program experience and the importance of having passionate friends.

• Bob discusses how nonviolent communication helped him rebuild his life and manage his intensity.

• Aurora and Bob talk about the challenges and benefits of connecting with others in person versus online.

• Bob reflects on the shadow side of his intensity, including an episode where he buried treasure and was not in touch with shared reality.

• Emphasis on the importance of self-connection in managing intensity and understanding one's needs.

• Bob shares a final blessing of self-connection and invites listeners to explore this concept along with empathy and honesty in nonviolent communication. 

Bob’s Website

Embracing Intensity Memberships

Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events!

This week on Embracing Intensity, we share part of our call with Sharon J. Burton on "Creativity as Self-Care." Sharon delves into a chapter from her upcoming book "Creative Sparks" that explores how embracing creativity can be a powerful form of self-care. Through affirmations, inspiration, and practical tips, Sharon will guide attendees on how to use their creative talents to nurture their well-being, reduce stress, and cultivate a more mindful and fulfilling life. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the transformative power of creativity in self-care practices.

Join us for an engaging discussion with Sharon, a creativity coach, visual artist, teaching artist, yoga nidra guide, meditation guide, poet, and soon-to-be author. Sharon shares her journey back to art after pursuing a traditional career path and emphasizes the importance of creativity as self-care. The conversation covers themes such as the challenges and joys of embracing creativity at midlife, especially for those who may not have received encouragement earlier in life due to societal pressures towards more conventional careers. Sharon introduces her upcoming book, 'Creative Sparks: 21 Affirmations and Inspirations for Creativity at Midlife,' aimed at inspiring people to reconnect with their creativity. The discussion also explores the significance of creativity for personal growth, mental health, and cultural expression, particularly within the African American community. Additionally, it addresses overcoming common obstacles like the inner critic, imposter syndrome, and societal expectations, encouraging listeners to give themselves permission to explore their passions and creative impulses fully.

Sharon J. Burton is a visual artist, art curator, poet and certified creative coach and Founder of Spark Your Creative Coaching. Since 2016, she has focused on helping people in "creative recovery"... those looking to revive or jump start their creativity through group and individual coaching, workshops, her blog and as the host of Spark Your Creative Podcast which features artists and other creatives who are using their unique talents to create more mindful communities and a safer world. Sharon is a certified creativity coach through the Creativity Coaching Association. She completed requirements for the professional certificate in Art Business from New York University and a certificate in Art History through the Smithsonian. a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration. Sharon is also a Level II, Reiki Certified practitioner and received her Breath Work + Meditation Teacher Certification. Sharon infuses her creativity coaching with wellness practices to help her clients break through the blocks that prevent them from fully engaging in their creative potential.

• Aurora welcomes Sharon Burton to the "Embracing Intensity" podcast to discuss creativity as self-care.

• Sharon reflects on reconnecting with Aurora after years and discusses the importance of creativity in her life and others'.

• Aurora mentions the podcast's start in 2016, noting Sharon's early appearance in its second year.

• Sharon introduces herself as a creativity coach, visual artist, yoga nidra and meditation guide, and soon-to-be author.

• The discussion pivots to Sharon's upcoming book, "Creative Sparks: 21 Affirmations and Inspirations for Creativity at Midlife," focused on encouraging creativity in midlife individuals.

• Sharon shares her journey from pursuing a practical business degree to rediscovering her artistic side, emphasizing the challenge and reward of returning to creativity.

• A chapter from Sharon's book is shared, highlighting how creative practice can serve as a powerful form of self-care and aid in stress reduction, self-expression, self-discovery, boosting self-esteem, and promoting physical well-being.

• Aurora and Sharon discuss the societal pressures that often discourage creative pursuits and share personal insights on recognizing and affirming one's creativity.

• The conversation includes questions from the audience, exploring challenges faced by multi-talented individuals and ways to prioritize creativity amidst life's demands.

• Discussion on where creativity comes from, suggesting it can originate both from within the mind and beyond the physical body.

• The dialogue transitions to a discussion segment, where Sheldon joins to emphasize the unique experiences of creativity within the Black community and the impact of cultural and societal expectations.

• Sharon responds by highlighting the evolving opportunities for creative expression enabled by technology and the importance of embracing creativity at any life stage.

• Aurora wraps up by summarizing key takeaways: understanding one's creative "why," giving oneself permission to prioritize creativity, and inviting listeners to explore Sharon's upcoming book as a resource for inspiration and empowerment.

• Sharon concludes with details about her book launch, her podcast, and how to connect with her online for more insights into fostering creativity.

Sharon's Website

Sharon's Book!

I Must Be Bug'n Podcast

Embracing Intensity Memberships

Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events!