Inside the Pickle Jar: Connecting with the Spectrum

In part 2 of this insightful interview, I continue my conversation with Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer, founder of Beyond the Individual, shares her journey into psychology, her clinical expertise in neurodivergence, and practical strategies for supporting children and families. Discover how systemic change, personalized interventions, and advocacy can transform the lives of neurodivergent children.

Dr Katrina Ostmeyer, is a licensed psychologist, behavior analyst, and founder of Beyond the Individual. Her work focuses on autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and complex behavior in children, with an emphasis on helping families find strategies that are not just evidence-based, but actually workable in everyday life. Across her career, she has worked as a clinician, leader, trainer, and program developer, with a strong commitment to expanding access to thoughtful, high-quality behavioral health care. Dr. Ostmeyer/Katrina also brings the perspective of being a mom of two neurodivergent children, which gives her both professional and deeply personal insight into the realities families face. She is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical expertise and real-world support.

Find Katrina:
 www.beyondtheindividual.com
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-ostmeyer-90b39b15/

Connect with Me:

🥒 Grab something from the shop: https://shop.insidethepicklejar.com 

📬 Get "4 Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain" (free): https://www.insidethepicklejar.com 

💌 Join the Pen Pal Club: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com/the-jar/ 

🕸️ Website: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com & https://www.risingtidecoaching.org 

🚇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach 

📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach 

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606 

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver

Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar. 💚

Enjoyed the episode?
Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast app! Your support helps us reach more listeners in the neurodivergent community.

Follow Inside the Pickle Jar for more stories, advice, and resources tailored for the neurodivergent journey.

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In part 1 of this insightful interview, Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer, founder of Beyond the Individual, shares her journey into psychology, her clinical expertise in neurodivergence, and practical strategies for supporting children and families. Discover how systemic change, personalized interventions, and advocacy can transform the lives of neurodivergent children.

Dr Katrina Ostmeyer, is a licensed psychologist, behavior analyst, and founder of Beyond the Individual. Her work focuses on autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and complex behavior in children, with an emphasis on helping families find strategies that are not just evidence-based, but actually workable in everyday life. Across her career, she has worked as a clinician, leader, trainer, and program developer, with a strong commitment to expanding access to thoughtful, high-quality behavioral health care. Dr. Ostmeyer/Katrina also brings the perspective of being a mom of two neurodivergent children, which gives her both professional and deeply personal insight into the realities families face. She is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical expertise and real-world support.

Find Katrina:
 www.beyondtheindividual.com
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-ostmeyer-90b39b15/

Connect with Me:

🥒 Grab something from the shop: https://shop.insidethepicklejar.com 

📬 Get "4 Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain" (free): https://www.insidethepicklejar.com 

💌 Join the Pen Pal Club: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com/the-jar/ 

🕸️ Website: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com & https://www.risingtidecoaching.org 

🚇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach 

📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach 

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606 

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver

Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar. 💚

Enjoyed the episode?
Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast app! Your support helps us reach more listeners in the neurodivergent community.

Follow Inside the Pickle Jar for more stories, advice, and resources tailored for the neurodivergent journey.

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In part 2, we pick back up on the story of how Mark Steiner transitioned from acting to entrepreneurship, creating GigSalad to connect entertainers and event planners. Learn more about his journey and insights.

### The Birth of GigSalad
The idea for GigSalad emerged from Mark's experiences as a booking agent. While he was initially focused on national touring acts, he noticed a growing need for local entertainers to connect with event planners. "I recognized that there were two parties trying to reach each other without a platform to facilitate that connection," Mark recalls. This insight sparked the creation of a website that would serve as a directory for entertainers and event planners, ultimately leading to the official launch of GigSalad in 2007.

🥒Building a Platform for Creatives
GigSalad has since connected over 4 million event planners with entertainers, speakers, and service providers, empowering countless individuals to pursue their passions. Mark’s commitment to serving the ‘little people’ in the entertainment industry is evident in GigSalad’s mission to provide opportunities for regional talent.

🥒 Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success
Despite the success of GigSalad, Mark emphasizes that the journey was not without its challenges. "We didn’t draw any money from GigSalad for four years," he shares. This dedication to reinvesting in the business showcases Mark’s resilience and unwavering belief in the platform’s potential.

🥒Leadership Through Empathy and Vulnerability
Mark’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in empathy, intuition, and emotional intelligence. His personal experiences, including his journey with ADHD, have influenced his leadership style. He believes that vulnerability is a strength and that fostering trust and compassion within a team is essential for success.

🥒 Embracing ADHD as a Strength
Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Mark reflects on how this diagnosis provided clarity regarding his past struggles. "Before the diagnosis, I often felt misunderstood and distracted, but now I see it as a part of my unique perspective," he explains. This newfound understanding has empowered him to embrace his strengths and lead his team with authenticity.

In conclusion, Mark Steiner’s story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and empathy. Through his work with GigSalad, he has transformed the lives of countless entertainers and event planners, proving that when one person succeeds, everyone can rise together.

Find Mark:
www.gigsalad.com
www.linkedin.com/in/markandrewsteiner/

Connect with Me:

🥒 Grab something from the shop: https://shop.insidethepicklejar.com 

📬 Get "4 Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain" (free): https://www.insidethepicklejar.com 

💌 Join the Pen Pal Club: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com/the-jar/ 

🕸️ Website: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com & https://www.risingtidecoaching.org 

🚇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach 

📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach 

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606 

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver

Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar. 💚

Enjoyed the episode?
Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast app! Your support helps us reach more listeners in the neurodivergent community.

Follow Inside the Pickle Jar for more stories, advice, and resources tailored for the neurodivergent journey.

#InsideThePickleJar #Entrepreneurship #ADHD #GigSalad #Storytelling

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Discover how Mark Steiner transitioned from acting to entrepreneurship, creating GigSalad to connect entertainers and event planners. Learn about his journey and insights.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding your true passion can often feel overwhelming. For many, the journey is filled with twists and turns, ups and downs. In this blog post, we delve into the inspiring story of Mark Steiner, co-founder and CEO of GigSalad. Mark’s unique background in acting and his personal experiences with adoption and ADHD have shaped his approach to business and leadership. Join us as we explore his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way.

🥒 About Mark Steiner
Mark Steiner is not just the co-founder and CEO of GigSalad; he is also a storyteller, a leader, and a passionate advocate for creatives. With a background in acting and a keen understanding of the entertainment industry, Mark has dedicated his career to helping others find opportunities to do what they love. His story is one of resilience, empathy, and a commitment to making the world a better place through meaningful connections.

🥒 The Transition from Acting to Entrepreneurship
Mark’s journey into entrepreneurship began in the world of acting, where he initially sought fame and recognition. "I wanted to be known, to be seen, and to be admired," he shares. However, as he immersed himself in the industry, he discovered that his passion lay not solely in performing but in supporting others to shine.

🥒 Discovering Fulfillment in the Industry
After moving to New York and working in various capacities within the film industry, Mark found joy in connecting with talented individuals. "Being in proximity to stars and working alongside them fulfilled me," he explains. This realization marked a turning point in his career, leading him to establish a talent agency that would eventually evolve into GigSalad.

Find Mark:
 www.gigsalad.com
 www.linkedin.com/in/markandrewsteiner/

Connect with Me:

🥒 Grab something from the shop: https://shop.insidethepicklejar.com 

📬 Get "4 Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain" (free): https://www.insidethepicklejar.com 

💌 Join the Pen Pal Club: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com/the-jar/ 

🕸️ Website: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com & https://www.risingtidecoaching.org 

🚇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach 

📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach 

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606 

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver

Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar. 💚

Enjoyed the episode?
Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast app! Your support helps us reach more listeners in the neurodivergent community.

Follow Inside the Pickle Jar for more stories, advice, and resources tailored for the neurodivergent journey.

#InsideThePickleJar #Entrepreneurship #ADHD #GigSalad #Storytelling

Support the show

This is a very personal subject for me. Wanting to belong but not quite fitting in. Neurodivergent people need belonging just as much as anyone else, but the path to finding tribe is full of obstacles nobody warned us about. In this episode, I get honest about the long search for my own people, and I break down the neuroscience behind why connection is harder when your brain works differently: unwritten social rules, rejection sensitive dysphoria, the fear of one wrong move costing you everything, and the exhausting paradox of masking. You'll leave this one feeling seen and with real tools for finding the community your nervous system has been looking for all along.

Come Find Community!

Connect with Me:

🥒 Grab something from the shop: https://shop.insidethepicklejar.com 

📬 Get "4 Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain" (free): https://www.insidethepicklejar.com 

💌 Join the Pen Pal Club: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com/the-jar/ 

🕸️ Website: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com & https://www.risingtidecoaching.org 

🚇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach 

📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach 

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606 

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver

Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar. 💚

Enjoyed the episode?
Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast app! Your support helps us reach more listeners in the neurodivergent community.

Follow Inside the Pickle Jar for more stories, advice, and resources tailored for the neurodivergent journey.

#InsideThePickleJar #Neurodiversity #FindingYourTribe #SelfCompassion #MaskingTax 

Support the show

In this episode, I share a heartfelt exploration of neurodivergence, abandonment, and the importance of creating safe spaces for authentic self-expression. I'll tell my own personal stories and using the metaphor of Punch the monkey, I'll emphasize the power of belonging, advocacy, and self-compassion, why only you are the best at being you.

Key topics:

• Neurodivergence and self-advocacy
• The story of Punch the monkey and belonging
• The four stages: recognition, safety, belonging, relief
• The importance of creating safe spaces and communities
• Practical steps for asking for accommodations

Inside the Pickle Jar (https://www.insidethepicklejar.com)

Alter Ego by Todd Herman

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Connect with Me:

🥒 Grab something from the shop: https://shop.insidethepicklejar.com 

📬 Get "4 Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain" (free): https://www.insidethepicklejar.com 

💌 Join the Pen Pal Club: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com/the-jar/ 

🕸️ Website: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com & https://www.risingtidecoaching.org 

🚇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach 

📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach 

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606 

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver

Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar. 💚

Enjoyed the episode?
Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast app! Your support helps us reach more listeners in the neurodivergent community.

Follow Inside the Pickle Jar for more stories, advice, and resources tailored for the neurodivergent journey.

#neurodivergence, #belonging, #advocacy, #self-care, #mental health, #community, #safety, #accommodations, #Punchthemonkey, #innerstrength

Support the show

The Brain Science Behind Emotional Dysregulation and 9 Skills That Actually Help

This episode explores the neuroscience behind emotional dysregulation in ADHD, emphasizing understanding, compassion, and practical skills to manage intense emotions effectively.

Key Topics

• Neuroscience of ADHD and emotional regulation
• Impact of dopamine and norepinephrine on emotions
• The role of the prefrontal cortex and amygdala
• Rejection sensitivity and emotional stickiness
• Practical skills for emotional regulation

Takeaways

• Emotional dysregulation in ADHD is rooted in brain wiring, not character flaws.
• The prefrontal cortex develops later in ADHD, affecting impulse control and regulation.
• Using external supports and systems can help manage emotional responses.
• Naming emotions activates the regulation part of the brain.
• Simple, ADHD-friendly skills like grounding and the stop skill are effective.

Sources: Based on Emma McAdam / Therapy in a Nutshell — 'Why ADHD Makes Emotions So Intense'

Connect with Me:

🥒 Grab something from the shop: https://shop.insidethepicklejar.com 

📬 Get "4 Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain" (free): https://www.insidethepicklejar.com 

💌 Join the Pen Pal Club: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com/the-jar/ 

🕸️ Website: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com & https://www.risingtidecoaching.org 

🚇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach 

📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach 

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606 

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver

Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar. 💚

Enjoyed the episode?
Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast app! Your support helps us reach more listeners in the neurodivergent community.

Follow Inside the Pickle Jar for more stories, advice, and resources tailored for the neurodivergent journey.

Support the show

Have you ever felt like the system is set up to keep you down? You're not alone. 

Tag someone who needs to hear this! 

In this episode, we dive deep into the struggles of being neurodivergent in a workplace that isn’t equipped for you. The pressure to mask your true self is real, and it costs us more than we realize. 

You deserve a workplace that values your unique brain, not one that makes you feel broken for being different. Knowledge is power, but it only works if you use it. 

Let’s advocate for ourselves and each other. Knowledge is power, but only if we use it. 

You were never the problem. Let’s change the narrative together. 

Full episode - www.insidethepicklejar.com

❤️ #Neurodivergent #WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #WeirdGirlsClub #InsideThePickleJar

Connect with Me:

🥒 Grab something from the shop: https://shop.insidethepicklejar.com 

📬 Get "4 Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain" (free): https://www.insidethepicklejar.com 

💌 Join the Pen Pal Club: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com/the-jar/ 

🕸️ Website: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com & https://www.risingtidecoaching.org 

🚇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach 

📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach 

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606 

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver

Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar. 💚

Enjoyed the episode?
Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast app! Your support helps us reach more listeners in the neurodivergent community.

Follow Inside the Pickle Jar for more stories, advice, and resources tailored for the neurodivergent journey.

Support the show

🥒Welcome to Inside the Pickle Jar!

Have you ever felt the heaviness that comes with being late? 💚
It can sit in your chest like a stone.
But I want you to know something important:
You’re not the only one who feels that way, and you’re not doing anything wrong.

Sometimes our brains experience time differently.
For many neurodivergent folks, time doesn’t move in neat little boxes.
It stretches… it shrinks… it slips away.
And that can make getting places on time feel harder than it “should.”

But here’s the truth:
Chronic lateness isn’t a flaw in your character.
It’s a pattern in your nervous system... one that deserves understanding, not shame.

There are gentle ways to support yourself:
- You can make time more visible with timers or alarms.
- You can give yourself extra room to move between tasks.
- You can prepare a few things ahead of time so the morning feels softer.
- And you can pause for a breath before shifting gears, letting your body catch up to your mind.

You are not broken.
You are a human being doing your best in a world that wasn’t built with your brain in mind.

And when we understand ourselves with kindness, something beautiful happens:
We stop fighting who we are…
and start building a life that fits.
If this speaks to you, there’s more waiting in the links below.

Connect with Me:

🥒 Grab something from the shop: https://shop.insidethepicklejar.com 

📬 Get "4 Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain" (free): https://www.insidethepicklejar.com 

💌 Join the Pen Pal Club: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com/the-jar/ 

🕸️ Website: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com & https://www.risingtidecoaching.org 

🚇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach 

📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach 

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606 

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver

Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar. 💚

Enjoyed the episode?
Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast app! Your support helps us reach more listeners in the neurodivergent community.

Follow Inside the Pickle Jar for more stories, advice, and resources tailored for the neurodivergent journey.

Full video from the HealthyGamerGG and is a great watch: https://youtu.be/1onkZGsknsk?si=rNDb5v0r83uPcyVy

#Neurodiversity #SelfCompassion #InsideThePickleJar

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Ever felt guilty for doing nothing? Let’s talk about how embracing ‘Niksen’ can be your secret weapon. 👇

Tag someone who needs to hear this!

Niksen, the Dutch practice of doing nothing, is more than just a trend. For neurodivergent minds, it’s a lifeline. 

Imagine sitting quietly without a to-do list, allowing your thoughts to drift like leaves on a stream. In a world obsessed with productivity, this radical act of simply being is necessary. 

But why do we resist pausing? It’s tough! Our brains are wired for stimulation, making stillness feel unsafe. Yet, in this stillness lies the key to peace and creativity. 

In this episode, discover the Dutch principle of Niksen and learn how doing nothing can benefit neurodivergent individuals. Explore practical tips to embrace aimlessness for mental well-being. Listen to the last 5 minutes for a guided practice.

Connect with Me:

🥒 Grab something from the shop: https://shop.insidethepicklejar.com 

📬 Get "4 Things I Need the People in My Life to Know About My Brain" (free): https://www.insidethepicklejar.com 

💌 Join the Pen Pal Club: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com/the-jar/ 

🕸️ Website: https://www.insidethepicklejar.com & https://www.risingtidecoaching.org 

🚇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaWeaverCoach 

📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/tonya_weaver_coach 

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tonyaweaver606 

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmweaver

Be gentle with yourself, pickle friend. I'll see you next time inside the jar. 💚

Enjoyed the episode?
Help us grow by leaving a review on your favorite podcast app! Your support helps us reach more listeners in the neurodivergent community.

Follow Inside the Pickle Jar for more stories, advice, and resources tailored for the neurodivergent journey.

Support the show