Identity - winging it

Ever felt completely stuck, even though you want to get things done? You’re staring at the task, fully aware it needs doing, but your brain just says, “Nope.” Yeah, same.

In this episode, I’m sharing five simple ways to trick your brain into moving—without it feeling like a chore. Whether it’s ADHD, PDA, executive dysfunction, or just pure overwhelm, these hacks will help you break through that mental brick wall and actually get started.

No pressure, no guilt—just small, doable steps that make starting feel possible.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to move without overthinking (goodbye, decision paralysis)

• Why tiny actions can trick your brain into momentum

• How to change your environment to stop feeling stuck

• The power of speaking tasks out loud to make them easier

• And my personal tricks that help me get sh*t done when my brain says “nah”

If you’ve been stuck lately, this one’s for you. Let’s get moving—literally!

📢 Try one of these tricks today and tell me how it worked for you! DM me or tag me @whenlifebeginsat40—I’d love to hear your wins.

🎧 Listen now and let’s do this together!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning:

This episode includes a brief mention of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Episode Title: Labels, Lies, and Living Your Truth

In this raw, hilarious, and deeply relatable episode, we’re diving headfirst into the exhausting world of labels. If you’ve ever been called lazy, too much, blunt, or been told you’re overreacting, this one’s for you. Aimee shares the absurdity of being judged for punctuation (yes, punctuation), the frustration of being invalidated, and the emotional toll of constantly trying to prove your worth as a person with autism and ADHD.

We’ll unpack how these labels stick, how they create endless cycles of self-doubt, and why they’re more about other people’s discomfort than your truth. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Aimee uses her signature dark humour to turn the tables, challenge the labels, and remind you to throw them in the bin where they belong.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel seen, empowered, and ready to own who you are—bluntness, passion, and all.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The emotional weight of labels like “lazy” and “too much”

• Aimee’s group chat story—when punctuation became a crime

• The frustration of invalidation and how it impacts self-worth

• Why labels often say more about others than about you

• Strategies to break free from labels and reclaim your narrative

Connect with Aimee:

Follow Aimee on Instagram @whenlifebeginsat40 for more insights, laughs, and neurodivergent realness.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this short and sweet episode, I’m diving into the chaos of packing while navigating the constant battle between my autism and ADHD. From half-finished tasks to a house that looks like a tornado hit it, I’m sharing the reality of trying to stay on track when my brain is pulling me in a million directions.

I’ll talk about:

• The challenges of executive dysfunction during big tasks

• How I’m using lists, timers, and rewards to keep myself moving

• The balance between wanting perfect organization (hello, autism!) and the chaos of ADHD

If you’re neurodivergent and have ever felt like your brain is working against you, this one’s for you. Remember, progress doesn’t have to be perfect, and you’re not alone in the mess.

Join the Conversation:

Have tips or stories about managing big tasks with a neurodivergent brain? Drop me a message or tag me on Instagram at @whenlifebeginsat40—I’d love to hear from you!

Listen, Subscribe, and Share:

If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little encouragement.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s get real—neurodivergence isn’t always a superpower. Sure, there are moments of hyperfocus and creativity, but most of the time? It’s bloody hard work. And while ADHD is becoming easier to talk about these days, autism is still met with stigma and silence. Why is that?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the pressure to see neurodivergence as a gift, the exhausting stigma around being autistic, and why it’s okay to admit you’re struggling—no matter how old you are or how ‘together’ people think you should be.

Whether you’re navigating ADHD, autism, or both, this is your reminder that you don’t owe anyone a polished, perfect version of yourself. You’re enough, exactly as you are.

What We Cover:

• The reality of living with ADHD and autism—beyond the ‘superpower’ narrative.

• Why autism is still seen as taboo compared to ADHD.

• The emotional toll of stigma and masking.

• Owning your neurodivergent identity without apology.

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts or a story to share? I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a message or tag me on Instagram at @whenlifebeginsat40.

Listen, Subscribe, and Share:

If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s break the stigma—together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this raw and unfiltered episode, we’re diving headfirst into the stereotypes around autism and ADHD that have screwed so many of us over. From the outdated image of ADHD as just ‘hyperactive boys’ to the rigid, emotionless caricature of autism, we’re unpacking how these myths lead to overdiagnosis for some and devastating underdiagnosis for others—especially women, girls, and marginalized groups.

I’m sharing my own experiences, the emotional toll of being overlooked for years, and the identity shift that comes with a late diagnosis. If you’ve ever felt angry, relieved, or just plain exhausted by the system, this one’s for you.

Let’s break the mold, challenge the narrative, and start owning our neurodivergent brilliance.

What We Cover:

• The harmful stereotypes that delay diagnoses.

• Why underdiagnosis in women and marginalized communities is rampant.

• The emotional fallout of being ignored or misdiagnosed.

• How to embrace your identity and rewrite your story post-diagnosis.

Join the Conversation:

Have a story to share? Thoughts on the episode? Drop me a message or tag me on Instagram at @whenlifebeginsat40. I’d love to hear from you!

Listen, Subscribe, and Share:

If this episode hit home, don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s keep breaking down the bullshit—together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the exhausting, emotional, and often overwhelming reality of masking as a neurodivergent person. From the constant effort of hiding your true self to the inevitable crash that follows, I’m sharing the raw truth about why we mask, the toll it takes, and how to start unmasking—little by little.

You’ll hear about:

• What masking really is (and why we do it).

• The emotional and physical toll of trying to “fit in.”

• Personal stories about the messy, beautiful process of unmasking.

• Tips and encouragement for embracing your authentic self.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing just to survive in a world that wasn’t built for you, this episode is for you. Let’s laugh, cry, and navigate the chaos together.

Don’t forget to share your thoughts or your own unmasking story with me on Instagram at @whenlifebeginsat40. And if this episode made you feel seen or heard, I’d love for you to leave a review—it truly helps more people find the podcast.

Resources for Unmasking:

Here are some helpful resources and tools for anyone wanting to learn more about unmasking or take steps toward embracing their authentic self:

1. Books:

• Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price, PhD

• Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg

2. Articles:

• “What Is Masking in Autism and ADHD?” (Healthline)

• “The Emotional Cost of Masking” (Neuroclastic)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I dive into the beautifully messy world of decision-making when you’re navigating life with ADHD and autism. From analysis paralysis to impulsive “screw it” moments, we’re tackling all the relatable struggles—and sharing plenty of laughs along the way.

You’ll hear about:

• How overthinking turns even simple decisions into a mental marathon.

• The emotional toll of trying to make the “perfect” choice.

• Hilarious stories of overthinking gone wrong (because sometimes, laughter is the only option).

• Practical tips to survive the chaos—and permission to embrace the mess when things don’t go to plan.

If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your favourite moments or your funniest decision-making stories with me on Instagram at @whenlifebeginsat40. Don’t forget to follow me for more relatable content and behind-the-scenes updates!

If you enjoy the show, it would mean the world if you could leave a review wherever you’re listening. Reviews help more amazing people like you find the podcast—and I truly appreciate your support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sh*t They Never Told You About Being Neurodivergent

In this raw and real episode, I’m diving into all the stuff they never tell you about being neurodivergent. From the messy aftermath of diagnosis to the unexpected struggles, this isn’t your typical “embrace your uniqueness” chat. We’re talking about the exhausting truths, the emotional rollercoaster, and the parts of the journey no one warns you about.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or misunderstood, this one’s for you. Grab a coffee (or something stronger) and let’s get into it.

I hope you manage to find something that resonates with you

You can find me over on my socials

www.instagram.com/whenlifebeginsat40 -

inside my Autistic ADHD head

www.instagram.com/dream1ncolour-family and children's diagnoses and journey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the Sh*t I Told Myself Before My Diagnosis

In this episode, I’m diving headfirst into all the crap I believed about myself before I found out I’m autistic and have ADHD. From thinking I was lazy, unmotivated, or just plain broken, to internalizing the world’s bullsht about how I should be “normal.” Spoiler: I wasn’t lazy—I was overwhelmed. I wasn’t too sensitive—I was fcking human.

This is a no-holds-barred chat about the lies we tell ourselves, the expectations we can never meet, and the relief (and rage) that comes when you finally get answers. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly failing at life, this one’s for you.

TW: Brief mentions of mental health struggles and self-doubt.

I hope you manage to find something that resonates with you

You can find me over on my socials

www.instagram.com/whenlifebeginsat40 -

inside my Autistic ADHD head

www.instagram.com/dream1ncolour-family and children's diagnoses and journey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are so many women diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life? In this episode, we dive into the hidden world of late diagnoses, exploring how societal expectations and masking can obscure neurodivergence for years. We’ll discuss the missed signs, the emotional impact of finally connecting the dots, and how traditional gender norms contribute to this phenomenon. Whether you’re navigating your own diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this conversation sheds light on the unique experiences of neurodivergent women—and offers hope, validation, and practical tips for the journey ahead.

I hope you manage to find something that resonates with you

You can find me over on my socials

www.instagram.com/whenlifebeginsat40 -

inside my Autistic ADHD head

www.instagram.com/dream1ncolour-family and children's diagnoses and journey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.