Inside the Pickle Jar: Connecting with the Spectrum

In the second half of our powerful conversation with Dr. Corinna Freitag, we continue to explore her journey following a late autism diagnosis and the profound impact it's had on her life and work.

Corinna—an executive coach with a background in both natural and human sciences—opens up about how her diagnosis has reshaped her relationships, particularly with her husband, and how it’s influenced her approach to coaching. She also shares practical strategies she uses to help STEM professionals enhance their social skills and move forward in their careers.

We also dive into:

• How her diagnosis helped her make sense of her past experiences
• Tips for those just starting their own diagnostic journey
• Why validation and self-understanding matter so much
• An exciting research opportunity for STEM professionals to share their experiences

Whether you're navigating a diagnosis yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers encouragement, insight, and inspiration.

Corinna’s links:

• My website: https://www.corinnafreitag.de/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcorinnafreitag/
• Online tests for autism:  https://embrace-autism.com/raads-r/#test , https://www.autism360.com/autism-test-for-adults/

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to transform change into growth!

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.

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In this episode, Tonya sits down (once again!) with Dr. Corinna Freitag—executive coach, scientist, and now, diagnosed autistic adult. With over 30 years of experience in the natural and human sciences and nearly two decades in the chemical and automotive industries, Corinna opens up about her late-in-life autism diagnosis and the unexpected ways it’s transformed her personal life and coaching career.

Whether you're navigating your own neurodivergent identity, supporting someone who is, or curious about how autism intersects with high-performance careers, this episode is full of insight, growth, and empowerment.

🎧 Ready to turn self-discovery into self-leadership? Hit play now.

Corinna’s links:

• Website: https://www.corinnafreitag.de/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcorinnafreitag/
• Online tests for autism:  https://embrace-autism.com/raads-r/#test , https://www.autism360.com/autism-test-for-adults/

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to transform change into growth!
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

Change can be overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent individuals - but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Tonya explores how to navigate life’s transitions with confidence and resilience. From adopting a growth mindset to setting clear goals and practicing self-care, Tonya shares actionable strategies to make change more manageable.

Drawing insights from leadership expert Dave Stachowiak, she highlights the power of celebrating small wins, building supportive networks, and maintaining stability through routines and mindfulness. Whether you're facing a career shift, a new environment, or personal growth, this conversation will equip you with tools to embrace change as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Dave Stachowiak – Coaching for Leaders
• Build Your Resume with a Template

Connect with Tonya Weaver:

🥒 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

ADHD is often misunderstood as just being easily distracted or having trouble sitting still—but there's so much more to it. In this quick yet value-packed episode, Tonya breaks down the neuroscience behind ADHD, explaining how it affects attention, impulse control, and executive function.

Whether you have ADHD, love someone who does, or work with neurodivergent individuals, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this common form of neurodiversity and the brain science behind it.

🔗 Watch on YouTube:

📖 Book Mentioned: https://a.co/d/1KdcIlK
💡 Learn More (CHADD): https://chadd.org/

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

In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar, Tonya Weaver dives into sensory sensitivities, a common experience for neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder. Tonya shares personal stories and practical strategies for managing sensory overload—covering everything from sensory-friendly environments and noise-canceling headphones to routines that reduce overwhelm.

Whether you're navigating sensory challenges yourself or looking to better support a neurodiverse loved one, this episode provides valuable guidance on fostering understanding, comfort, and inclusion.

Link to Wendy Chung Video::

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

In this episode, Tonya Weaver, a neurodivergent relationship coach, dives into essential strategies for safeguarding your mental and emotional well-being. From setting boundaries and prioritizing rest to managing social media and difficult conversations, this episode provides practical tools for both neurodivergent and neurotypical listeners.

🔹 Learn how to protect your peace in an overwhelming world
🔹 Explore healthy ways to navigate news consumption and online spaces
🔹 Build an action plan for self-care and emotional resilience
🔹 Discover why focusing on what you can control makes all the difference

Tonya also highlights the power of silver linings—finding hope and balance even in challenging situations.

🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward a healthier, more intentional mindset.

Courtney Carver’s site: https://bemorewithless.com/

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

Friendship isn’t just about having people around, it’s about finding those who truly understand and support you. For neurodivergent individuals, forming and maintaining deep, authentic friendships can come with unique challenges, but the right strategies make all the difference.

In this episode, I dive into:
✅ Why authentic connections matter
✅ Practical tips for finding and nurturing friendships
✅ How to navigate social challenges and improve communication
✅ The sacrifices that come with meaningful relationships

Simon Sinek and Trevor Noah video:

https://youtu.be/CNBxIhxHHxM?si=QwGOEamy8O5GhJqL

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

Ever caught yourself overthinking your overthinking? 🤯 Welcome to the world of metacognition—aka thinking about thinking. In this episode, we’re diving deep into how neurodivergent minds can harness this skill to boost learning, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and productivity.

Metacognition has two key parts:
🧠 Knowing how you think
🛠️ Regulating your thinking process

I’ll share personal insights, practical strategies, and easy-to-use exercises—like journal writing, think-alouds, goal setting, and mindfulness—to help you take control of your thoughts. Whether you're navigating school, work, or everyday life, these tools can make a huge difference.

🎧 Tune in and let’s get meta!

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

In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar, Tonya Weaver continues her insightful conversation with executive coach Andrew Leith, diving deeper into neurodiversity and workplace inclusivity. Together, they discuss:

🔹 The importance of creating environments that truly support neurodiverse employees
🔹 Strategies like external support networks, buddy systems, and genuine mentorship programs
🔹 How corporate culture drives innovation, engagement, and inclusivity
🔹 Practical tips for both employees and employers to foster understanding and collaboration

Andrew also shares actionable advice on self-advocacy for neurodiverse individuals and highlights how small cultural shifts can make a big impact in the workplace.
Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewleithsalesexecutive/

Connect with Tonya Weaver:

🥒 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

So is asking for accommodation requests or ERGs really the best way to include neurodiverse employees? We’re not so sure. 

Tonya sits down with Andrew Leith to discuss creating truly inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent employees.

This insightful conversation dives into:
✅ The power of open communication in fostering inclusivity.
✅ Why requiring employees to request accommodations may not be the best approach.
✅ The critical role of training and education in building awareness.
✅ Real-life examples of inclusive initiatives from companies like Microsoft.
✅ Practical strategies for managers to support neurodivergent team members.
✅ How neurodivergent employees can effectively advocate for themselves in their careers.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for employees, managers, and organizations striving to create a workplace where neurodivergent individuals can truly thrive.

Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewleithsalesexecutive/

Connect with Tonya Weaver:

🥒 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