In this deeply insightful guest call, we welcome Kaitlin Smith, a PhD candidate in the history of science at Harvard with a secondary focus in African American Studies. Kaitlin brings a powerful lens to the conversation around giftedness, drawing from her academic research, clinical background, and personal experience as a former support provider for gifted and intense Black adults.

This episode explores the intersections of giftedness, race, history, science, and social narratives—inviting us to reexamine what we consider “normal” and how systemic forces shape our understanding of intelligence and identity.

A Scholarly Look at Diverse Expressions of Giftedness with Kaitlin Smith

Join us for an enlightening session with Kaitlin Smith, MSW -- founder of Our Wild Minds -- in which we will explore diverse lived experiences of giftedness that people have in light of differences in social identity (e.g., race, gender, class, and spirituality). Kaitlin will share insights derived from scholarly research and personal experience, shedding light on how social forces and historical developments influence the recognition and experience of gifted traits. Attendees will engage with ideas that illuminate often-overlooked aspects of your intensities and learn strategies that will help you celebrate your (and others’) multitudes.

About Kaitlin: 

Kaitlin Smith, MSW is a writer, facilitator, and Ph.D Candidate at Harvard in the Department of History of Science where she is developing a dissertation on the history of the field of Black Psychology. Kaitlin is also the former founder of Our Wild Minds which offers online community and in-person experiences for highly creative, intellectually intense, and/or gifted Black adults from all over the world. Kaitlin's research and work with Our Wild Minds is informed by past training and work as a psychotherapist.

• The history of psychological science and its impact on marginalized identities

• Kaitlin’s personal experience with racism and bias in clinical training

• How the field of Black psychology emerged in resistance to biased systems

• Case studies including Oscar Moore and the Larry P v. Riles court case

• How Donna Haraway’s concept of situated knowledges can inform gifted advocacy

• The danger of universalizing objectivity in science and education

• Using historical context to reframe personal experiences of giftedness

• Opportunities for collective solidarity and support in gifted communities

• Questions for self-reflection around situated knowledge and identity

• Join the Embracing Intensity Community

• Kaitlin Smith’s gifted resources

• Kaitlin’s Substack

• A rich Q&A on the intersection of giftedness, race, and gender, and how these identities interact in systemic settings

• Reflections on how trauma and neurodivergence shape each other across personal and collective histories

• Insightful audience comments on the importance of reclaiming educational and psychological language

• Exploration of “the gifted rainbow” as a metaphor for the complexity and beauty of diverse gifted identities

• Practical examples of how to create supportive spaces for gifted and twice-exceptional Black individuals

• Honest conversation about grief, joy, and the non-linear journey of self-discovery as a neurodivergent person

• Kaitlin’s take on integrating history, embodiment, and radical curiosity into both academic and personal healing

Is work-life balance real—or just another unrealistic expectation? In this solo episode of Embracing Intensity, I unpack the myth of work-life balance and share my journey toward something more meaningful: harmony. Drawing from my personal life, this episode dives deep into how neurodivergent people navigate work hours, personal time, and the demands of life in a way that feels aligned, not forced.

After a summer of restoration and reflection, I’m back working full-time in the school system—and instead of chasing “balance,” I’m creating sustainable rhythms that honor my energy, creativity, and mental health.

I’m Aurora Remember Holtzman, host of Embracing Intensity and creator of the Embracing Intensity Community. With years of experience working with gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent folks, I help people stop beating themselves up for not meeting arbitrary standards and start living in alignment with their core values. My goal? To help you use your intensity as a tool for transformation—without burning out.

• Why the concept of work-life balance might be doing more harm than good

• Reframing productivity, especially for different people with unique brain wiring

• How long hours and unrealistic expectations lead to burnout

• The power of aligning with your core values instead of external goals

• How “contaminated time” steals joy from our personal lives

• Tools like energy audits to help create real work-life harmony

• Letting go of hustle culture and embracing meaningful work

• Tips for reclaiming quality time and rest—even with full work hours

• Why the opposite of life isn’t work—but disconnection

• 🔥 Join the Embracing Intensity Community

• 📘 Energy Balance Workbook (Print & Kindle)

• ✨ Balancing Time & Energy Digital Guide

✨ Balance is a myth. Harmony is the goal. Tap into your own rhythm and reclaim your time, energy, and creativity—on your terms.

🎧 Listen now on EmbracingIntensity.com

In this powerful episode of Embracing Intensity, we welcome Caroline J. Sumlin—author of We’ll All Be Free—for a deep, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation about collective liberation, the impact of white supremacy culture, and how we can begin to reclaim our worth. Caroline shares her perspective as a neurodivergent mother, speaker, and educator, and we explore the intersection of self-worth, systemic oppression, and sustainable social justice work.

Caroline is an author, speaker, and homeschool parent living in the Washington D.C. area. Her work centers on liberation from white supremacy culture, with a focus on how systemic oppression impacts self-worth. Her book, We’ll All Be Free, is a guide to deprogramming the internalized messages of white supremacy and reclaiming your true self. Caroline’s mission is to help others recognize the worth that oppressive systems have tried to erase.

• The importance of understanding how white supremacy culture harms everyone—not just the most marginalized.

• Why urgency, productivity, and perfectionism are tools of white supremacy—and how to break free.

• Navigating motivation and urgency as a neurodivergent person.

• Creating a life of joy and balance while staying engaged in liberation work.

• The importance of connecting with our shared humanity in social justice conversations.

• Understanding collective harm and our responsibility in collective healing.

• Caroline's perspective on using privilege for good and deconditioning colonial thinking.

• Caroline J. Sumlin’s Website

• We’ll All Be Free – Caroline’s Book

• Follow Caroline on Instagram

• Join the Embracing Intensity Community

In this thought-provoking episode of Embracing Intensity, Aurora sits down with Sheldon Gay, host of the I Must Be BUG'N podcast, which amplifies the stories and voices of Black, unidentified, underrepresented, gifted, and otherwise neurodivergent people. Sheldon is deeply insightful, warm, and grounded in his advocacy to humanize the neurodivergent experience. Together, they dive into the power of mirroring—that magical moment when we see ourselves reflected in others—and how it plays a crucial role in identity, belonging, and connection.

Sheldon shares his personal journey discovering his giftedness later in life and how joining neurodivergent spaces offered a profound sense of home and validation. He speaks candidly about emotional giftedness, navigating systems that often don’t recognize or affirm difference, and the importance of compassion, boundaries, and self-trust.

✨ In this episode:

• What mirroring means and why it’s vital for neurodivergent people

• How Sheldon discovered his giftedness and launched I Must Be BUG'N

• Why IQ tests don’t tell the whole story of intelligence or giftedness

• Emotional giftedness, self-doubt, and how we process emotions

• Compassion and boundaries in spaces where we feel misunderstood

• Recognizing our gifts even when others don’t

• The power of community connection and storytelling

• Insights into upcoming collaborative projects with Sheldon, including neurodivergent-friendly apps

• Reflections on Aurora’s recent blog post on neurodivergent relationships

🔗 Resources & Links:

• I Must Be BUG'N Podcast

• Embracing Intensity Community

• Aurora’s Blog Post on Neurodivergent Relationships

• Intuitive Flow Podcast Episode

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or deep into exploring your neurodivergent identity, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone—and that your experiences, brilliance, and emotions are valid and worthy of being seen.

🎧 Listen now and feel seen.

This week on the Embracing Intensity podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome back the always thoughtful and illuminating Brendan Mahan, founder of ADHD Essentials and creator of the Wall of Awful. In this free-flowing and deeply relatable conversation, we dive into the realities of ADHD burnout, navigating screen time, and what it really means to rest. Brendan and I both share personally about our own experiences with burnout and recovery, and how we’re learning to work with our neurodivergent brains instead of against them.

Brendan Mahan is a speaker, coach, and host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast. He specializes in helping families, educators, and individuals better understand ADHD through metaphor, structure, and compassion. Brendan is known for his "Wall of Awful" model—a powerful visual metaphor that helps people identify and move through the emotional blocks that make motivation so hard for those with ADHD. He’s currently working on a book titled Overcoming the Wall of Awful, expected to release in 2026.

• The difference between hard fascination and soft fascination, and why the latter is key for real rest

• What the Default Mode Network is and how it affects neurodivergent minds

• How screen time mimics rest but often leads to hard fascination and further mental exhaustion

• The origins of the Wall of Awful and how it helps people understand motivation challenges

• Tools Brendan uses to access soft fascination, from walks in the woods to weighted pressure

• The idea of contaminated time and how it sabotages meaningful rest

• Navigating professional transitions and creative burnout

• Letting go of transactional relationships and leaning into transformational connection

• Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to intentionally rebuild from burnout

• How embracing your values and regulating sensory input can be powerful tools for recovery

• Reframing burnout as a “season” and holding onto hope that things can and do change

🎧 Tune in to hear a heartfelt, relatable conversation on burnout, ADHD, and the power of slowing down with intention. Whether you're deep in burnout or on the road to recovery, this episode offers compassionate insights and practical tools to help you find your way back to balance.

• Brendan Mahan – ADHD Essentials

• The Wall of Awful on How to ADHD (YouTube)

• Embracing Intensity Community

In this inspiring episode of Embracing Intensity, I’m joined by the vibrant and insightful Fizzah Zaidi, a psychotherapist based in Chicago who works with adults with ADHD, especially those navigating high-pressure environments like tech and finance. We originally connected at an ADHD conference over boots and breakfast, and I’m so excited to bring her energy and wisdom to the podcast!

Fizzah shares her journey from a creative career in animation to becoming a mental health professional, her passion for social justice, and how she uses her intensity to empower her clients. Together, we explore what it means to navigate neurodivergence with curiosity, creativity, and self-compassion.

Fizzah is a psychotherapist and former animator who brings her creative flair and social justice focus into her therapeutic practice. Working primarily with high-achieving adults in the finance and tech sectors, she specializes in supporting ADHD and twice-exceptional individuals as they navigate complex challenges in both personal and professional settings. Her approach is multimodal, trauma-informed, and deeply rooted in empathy, humor, and the belief that everyone deserves someone who truly believes in them.

• How Fizzah uses creativity and multimodal therapy to connect with clients

• The role of social justice in her personal and professional intensity

• Navigating cultural stigma around mental health and emotional expression

• Toning down to survive: childhood masking and fear of judgment

• Channeling intensity into advocacy: challenging grad school policies while pregnant

• Why “being kind to yourself” means embracing your human moments

• The power of curiosity and education in making sense of your neurodivergent brain

• Executive function myths: the difference between lacking skills vs. activation

• Building community care, challenging black-and-white thinking, and supporting clients in discovering their fire

Fizzah reminds us that intensity can be a powerful force for justice, healing, and growth when it’s supported and expressed authentically. Her story highlights the importance of giving ourselves permission to feel, question, and grow in our own unique ways—and supporting others as they do the same. Whether you’re navigating neurodivergence, embracing your emotional depth, or looking for ways to channel your fire, this episode will leave you feeling seen and inspired.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how you, too, can embrace your intensity and turn it into your greatest strength.

• Fizzah Zaidi Psychotherapy Website: fzpsychotherapy.com

• Connect with Fizzah via Email: Available through her website

• Located in Chicago? Reach out and grab coffee with Fizzah!

• PowerZone Toolkit Challenge (Free & Evergreen): embracingintensity.com/toolkit

• Join the Embracing Intensity Community: community.embracingintensity.com

After a bit of a break from long-form content, I’m so excited to be back with a solo episode that’s deeply personal and incredibly timely. I’ve missed connecting with you more intimately through the podcast and am looking forward to bringing you more episodes like this in the coming months.

Lately, I’ve been diving into the topic of neurodivergent burnout, something I’ve experienced firsthand and that I know many of you can relate to. I’ve written two blog posts on the topic and shared a companion video on YouTube—and even tested out long-form content on TikTok for the first time!

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of what burnout can look like for those of us who are gifted, ADHD, autistic, or otherwise neurodivergent, and how we can begin to recover and reconnect with our energy and purpose.

Over the last three years, I’ve been working through the most intense burnout of my life. It started during the pandemic and lingered far beyond, as I struggled to return to the rhythms of daily life in a world that never truly went "back to normal." Like many neurodivergent individuals, I found myself caught in a cycle of urgency, executive dysfunction, emotional exhaustion, and identity loss—especially as a twice-exceptional adult who spent years masking and pushing through.

Throughout this episode, I share how I began healing by shifting my energy focus, consuming more uplifting media, and building out my self-regulation toolkit. These small but impactful steps helped me start to climb out of burnout and reconnect with my values and purpose.

• What neurodivergent burnout really is and how it differs from general burnout
• The impact of executive dysfunction, sensory overload, and masking
• The "gifted kid burnout" problem and how identity gets tangled in achievement
• How urgency culture creates cycles of burnout and crash
• Using the “circle of influence” vs. “circle of concern” to refocus energy
• Shifting media consumption and moving from doomscrolling to hope scrolling
• The importance of community care and authentic connection
• Building a personalized self-regulation toolkit for long-term energy balance
• Learning to ask for help and receive support without guilt
• A reminder: burnout is not a personal failure—it’s a survival response

Burnout is an all-too-common challenge for neurodivergent people, and it often looks very different from what the general population might expect. For autistic people, ADHD burnout, and other forms of neurodivergent burnout, it’s not just about long hours or hard work—it’s about the constant effort of navigating a neurotypical world without adequate support. The neurodivergent mind processes sensory input, social interaction, and executive function tasks in different ways, often leading to sensory processing issues and emotional exhaustion. Many autistic adults and neurodivergent individuals experience a greater risk of burnout due to the compounding effects of chronic stress, loss of skills, and a deep lack of motivation when support systems are not in place.

While neurotypical people may recover from burnout with rest alone, a neurodivergent adult often needs more nuanced strategies to heal—ones that take into account their unique neurodivergent traits, sensory experiences, and cognitive abilities. Burnout can also exacerbate mood disorders like anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Unfortunately, many family members, employers, and even mental health professionals may overlook these common causes, failing to provide the school accommodations, social support, or safe place needed for recovery. Whether it’s through personal experience, insights from advocates or participation in online communities, it’s clear that understanding the term neurodivergent and how it manifests is crucial. Supporting autistic children, ADHD individuals, and all neurodivergent people in reaching their full potential means meeting human needs, addressing sensory processing issues, and creating an ideal world where burnout is not the norm—but a sign that something deeper must be healed.

If you’ve been feeling like you’re constantly pushing through exhaustion, struggling to find balance, or wondering why everything feels so hard—you are not alone. Neurodivergent burnout is real, and it’s not a reflection of your worth or capability. It’s a signal that your needs deserve more care, compassion, and community support.

Let this episode be a gentle reminder that your intensity is not too much, your rest is valid, and your healing matters. I’d love to hear from you—what topics would you like me to explore further on the podcast? And if you’re ready to start building your own toolkit for energy balance and self-regulation, check out the PowerZone Toolkit Challenge, now available anytime you need it.

🎧 Listen now and take your next step toward recovery and reclaiming your energy.

• PowerZone Toolkit Challenge (now evergreen & free!)
• Join the Embracing Intensity Community
• Watch the video on YouTube
• Follow on TikTok & Instagram: @embracingintensity

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! 🎧✨