I Am Not Calm Podcast

Amanda and Claire discuss some of the ways they practice self care, from an autistic perspective.

In this months episode co-hosted by Amanda and Claire, we discuss examples of how it feels to be overwhelmed, and some of the things we’ve tried to deal with it.

Amanda and Claire discuss RSD, covering some of the causes, the real experiences behind feeling rejected, trying to tell the difference between imagined and real rejections, the impact it can have on friendships and relationships, and so much more.

In addition the new monthly format of this podcast (that will be coming later this month), this is a bonus episode

I caught up with Polly, who I previously spoke to earlier this year.

We talked about ADHD/Autism, with a strong focus on women and how we often aren’t taken seriously when seeking healthcare.

Things went a little offtrack in parts and we covered a lot of things, intentionally or not. So, even if the above subjects don’t interest you, it might be worth a listen.

We discuss our experiences of thinking/knowing we’re autistic, learning to be comfortable using the ‘A’ word to describe ourselves, deciding to get (and getting) diagnosed and everything that comes afterwards.

Bio: Polly has worked in the Arts, Heritage and Charity sector for over 15 years coordinating campaigns which have included the founding of Greater Manchester Housing Action Network, winning Selective Licensing policy change to protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords. She landed her dream job as the North West Campaign Coordinator with Friends of the Earth in 2016 but this was when she first hit burnout, and learned she was “different” neurologically to her peers. She recently stepped down from a co-directorship role due to the impact of AuDHD, bereavement & pregnancy loss.

Currently she sits on the Board of Trustees for a baby loss charity & works freelance with Divergent Emergent CiC and The Portico Library, focused on Network Development, and Participation. Her ADHD diagnosis in 2025 has led to exploring new healing modalities whilst navigating the chaos of titration, and awaiting specialist care for M.E, and fibromyalgia.

Sustained use of pain medication had adversely affected her health so she is now “chemical free”.

When she’s able to Polly enjoys somatic practices such as yoga, writing, & very occasionally performing poetry, soundscape & videography. She is developing two multi media projects “Seer to Seen” and “Nostalgy” part of a wider practice of land-connection, and “rooting in place.”

She is exploring a herbal pharmacology study pathway with the National Institute of Medical Herbalist (NIMH) whilst conducting self taught herbalism, and rewilding common land near her home in Langworthy.

A few weeks ago, I caught up with Sammi Parkin to talk about her book ‘Cola Bottle Girl’, and her motivation for writing it.

About Sammi

Sammi Parkin is an author, autism advocate, and a proud mum to three autistic children, each with their own unique and diverse needs. Driven by the lived experience of raising a neurodivergent family, she has dedicated her platform to bridging the gap between clinical diagnosis and the real-world reality of parenting. Her writing journey began at home, inspired by her high-masking autistic daughter. Seeing the lack of support and resources specifically tailored to those who "hide" their struggles to fit in, Sammi Parkin wrote The Cola Bottle Girl. The book serves as a vital guide for parents and high-masking girls alike, offering the understanding and tools she wished had been available when her family’s journey began.Beyond the page, Sammi Parkin is a prominent voice in the neurodivergent community. She has built a supportive TikTok platform of over 12,000 followers, where she shares daily advocacy, "real-talk" parenting insights, and educational content. Whether through her writing or her social media presence, her mission remains the same: to ensure that no high-masking girl feels invisible and that every parent feels empowered to support their child’s true, authentic self.

I spoke to Gray Rodgers about discovering and accepting their autism diagnosis, then going on to help other people.

Trigger Warning: We talked about suicidal thoughts near the beginning of this podcast.

About Gray:

Gray Rodgers is a South Derbyshire–based multidisciplinary artist, writer, and neurodiversity advocate. Founder of the Swadlincote Aspergers Society, they’ve spent years supporting autistic people through community work, creative projects, and public speaking. Their work spans poetry, visual art, and digital content, often exploring identity, resilience, and mental health. Using the handle @sfvetneph, they share projects, collaborations, and advocacy across platforms, helping to raise awareness and push for more inclusive spaces both locally and beyond.

This week, I explain how the podcast is going to be changing for a little while, and I talk about overthinking.

I spoke to Courtney Ward and Lee McShane about AUDHD, creativity, and dealing with burnout, among other things.

About Courtney:

Courtney has been published in several anthologies including “Our Time and Space” by Writing East Midlands, “Speak Out” by The Word Association, and Sisterhood anthology for Sisterhood Festival in Bradford, been a featured artist at Prickly Pear, and Speak your Mind, among others, and also, talked at and collaborated with local charities, and performed at festivals, such as Kettfest, and Corby Pride.

About Lee:

Lee McShane is a Neurodivergent actor, filmmaker, and published writer/poet. He integrates neurodivergence into his creative work, often blending themes of mental health with elements of horror. His storytelling challenges stigma, offering unique perspectives shaped by lived experience and a passion for authentic, emotionally resonant, and genre-bending narratives.