Neurodivergent Strategies for Late-Diagnosed Adults: The Divergent Paths Podcast

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One of the most challenging aspects of getting a late diagnosis (at least for me and this week's guest) is recognizing the impact it's had all through your life and then finding a community that accepts, welcomes and understands you. Kendra Koch is the founder of Divergently, an online community designed specifically for late diagnosed neurodivergent women. We discuss her divergent path and the role managing her physical health had in her understanding her spicy brain.

Subscribe to the Divergently newsletter and hop on the waitlist over at https://www.joindivergently.com/ and say hi to Kendra on Threads at https://www.threads.net/@joindivergently

Thank you for listening! Make sure to like and subscribe to Divergent Paths wherever you listen.

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Resources mentioned:

Divergent Mind by Jenara Nerenberg. https://www.nnlm.gov/reading-club/book/divergent-mind

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RSD... Yeah you know me... Well at the end of this episode, you will know a lot more about me! In this episode of Everything you Wanted to Know about Russ and I talk about RSD, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. Understanding RSD has been key to me understanding how deeply my late diagnosis impacted my sense of self. I've heard countless times in my life how I am "too sensitive" and understanding RSD really helped me understand where some of that sensitivity comes from.

And honestly... I think I experienced a fair amount of RSD just about publishing this episode. I've mentioned before that the interviewees for this podcast share such vulnerable stories. We don't often talk about invisible disabilities and talking about the ways RSD impacts my life is deeply vulnerable.

So please listen and share. And let me know on Instagram @drreginaphd if you've experienced RSD.

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For this episode of Divergent Paths, we explore the intersection of identity, neurodivergence, and photography with our guest, Rachel Konsella, a professional elopement and wedding photographer. Rachel shares how she thrives in the dynamic, often chaotic wedding environment, and we dive into the powerful role photography plays in helping neurodivergent people, or those with "spicy brains," retain memories and capture important moments.

See more of Rachel’s work by visiting her website and Instagram:

Website: Rachel Konsella Photography

Instagram: @RachelKonsella

What role does photography play in your life? Do you use it to retain memories, track life events, or does it help you manage aspects of neurodivergence? Many neurodivergent people relate to having endless screenshots or countless open browser tabs—does this resonate with you? Join the conversation on Instagram @DivergentPathsConsulting and share your thoughts!

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About Regina McMenomy Ph.D.

Host of the Divergent Paths Podcast | ADHD & Neurodiversity Advocate

Welcome to Divergent Paths, a podcast dedicated to exploring life, work, and creativity through the lens of neurodiversity. Hosted by Regina McMenomy. Ph.D., founder of Divergent Paths Consulting, the show delves into the experiences of individuals navigating ADHD and other invisible disabilities. As someone who received a late ADHD diagnosis, Regina brings personal insights and professional expertise to each episode, helping listeners find new ways to thrive in a neurotypical world.

With over 20 years of experience in instructional design, project management, and coaching, Regina is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where neurodiverse individuals can succeed. Through this podcast, Regina shares conversations with experts, professionals, and everyday people, offering tips, strategies, and stories of empowerment.

Tune in to learn how to embrace neurodivergence, redefine success, and chart your own path forward.

Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!

This week, Kaytalin Platt joins Regina on the show. Kaytalin shares stories of growing up in rural Alabama and how life changing it was to move to the big city. This is the first time Kaytalin talks about her spicy brain and I deeply appreciate her sharing her story with us!

Checkout Kaytalin's books on her website https://kaytalinplatt.com/ and her artwork on TikTok and Instagram.

Make sure to subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! Follow us on Instagram @DivergentPathsConsulting and let us know what you think about the show. We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Book a Free Clarity Call with Regina

About Regina McMenomy Ph.D.

Host of the Divergent Paths Podcast | ADHD & Neurodiversity Advocate | Founder, Divergent Paths Consulting

Welcome to Divergent Paths, a podcast dedicated to exploring life, work, and creativity through the lens of neurodiversity. Hosted by Regina, founder of Divergent Paths Consulting, the show delves into the experiences of individuals navigating ADHD and other invisible disabilities. As someone who received a late ADHD diagnosis, Regina brings personal insights and professional expertise to each episode, helping listeners find new ways to thrive in a neurotypical world.

With over 20 years of experience in instructional design, project management, and coaching, Regina is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where neurodiverse individuals can succeed. Through this podcast, Regina shares conversations with experts, professionals, and everyday people, offering tips, strategies, and stories of empowerment.

Tune in to learn how to embrace neurodivergence, redefine success, and chart your own path forward.

Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!

Regina and Russ discuss executive functioning. They define what it is, what challenges its disfunction causes, and some tips and tricks to get your spicy brain to make more of those sweet, sweet decisions. Have you struggled with executive disfunction? Have you ever experienced decision paralysis? Hit us up on @DivergentPathsConsulting and share your experiences! Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Book a Free Clarity Call with Regina

About Regina McMenomy Ph.D.

Host of the Divergent Paths Podcast | ADHD & Neurodiversity Advocate | Founder, Divergent Paths Consulting

Welcome to Divergent Paths, a podcast dedicated to exploring life, work, and creativity through the lens of neurodiversity. Hosted by Regina, founder of Divergent Paths Consulting, the show delves into the experiences of individuals navigating ADHD and other invisible disabilities. As someone who received a late ADHD diagnosis, Regina brings personal insights and professional expertise to each episode, helping listeners find new ways to thrive in a neurotypical world.

With over 20 years of experience in instructional design, project management, and coaching, Regina is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where neurodiverse individuals can succeed. Through this podcast, Regina shares conversations with experts, professionals, and everyday people, offering tips, strategies, and stories of empowerment.

Tune in to learn how to embrace neurodivergence, redefine success, and chart your own path forward.

Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!

Horses, and zebras, and King Henry the 8th's wives.... oh my! Join Regina as she chats with Rachel Ferdaszewski, a professional organizer in the Portland, Oregon area. They discuss the process of learning about masking, what it's like to unmask later in life, and talk about their lives as spicy brained moms of spicy brained kids.

If you are looking for help organizing, Rachel and Serenispace do amazing work. Check out the site and her services!

Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen. Don't forget to check out the earlier episodes. We've had so many amazing discussions so far and can't wait to continue.

References:

K.C. Davis - Book: How to Keep House While Drowning. Podcast: Struggle Care

Book a Free Clarity Call with Regina

About Regina McMenomy Ph.D.

Host of the Divergent Paths Podcast | ADHD & Neurodiversity Advocate

Welcome to Divergent Paths, a podcast dedicated to exploring life, work, and creativity through the lens of neurodiversity. Hosted by Regina, founder of Divergent Paths Consulting, the show delves into the experiences of individuals navigating ADHD and other invisible disabilities. As someone who received a late ADHD diagnosis, Regina brings personal insights and professional expertise to each episode, helping listeners find new ways to thrive in a neurotypical world.

With over 20 years of experience in instructional design, project management, and coaching, Regina is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where neurodiverse individuals can succeed. Through this podcast, Regina shares conversations with experts, professionals, and everyday people, offering tips, strategies, and stories of empowerment.

Tune in to learn how to embrace neurodivergence, redefine success, and chart your own path forward.

Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!

"Everything you Wanted to Know about: hyperfocus." Russ joins Regina on the show again to go into greater depth on a topic of particular interest to spicy brained people: hyperfocus. We discuss in greater detail how hyperfocus is different from being goal oriented, how it feels to be in a hyperfocused state, and what it's like to have it suddenly end. (Hint: that last one is NOT GOOD.)

Check out the Pomo-Doro timer that Russ' coworker built. The Pomodoro method is a great way of helping manage your time and keep yourself on track!

This is a series Regina will be hosting with Russ. Let us know if you have any neurospicy topics you'd like us to discuss!

Book a Free Clarity Call with Regina

About Regina McMenomy Ph.D.

Host of the Divergent Paths Podcast | ADHD & Neurodiversity Advocate | Founder, Divergent Paths Consulting

Welcome to Divergent Paths, a podcast dedicated to exploring life, work, and creativity through the lens of neurodiversity. Hosted by Regina, founder of Divergent Paths Consulting, the show delves into the experiences of individuals navigating ADHD and other invisible disabilities. As someone who received a late ADHD diagnosis, Regina brings personal insights and professional expertise to each episode, helping listeners find new ways to thrive in a neurotypical world.

With over 20 years of experience in instructional design, project management, and coaching, Regina is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where neurodiverse individuals can succeed. Through this podcast, Regina shares conversations with experts, professionals, and everyday people, offering tips, strategies, and stories of empowerment.

Tune in to learn how to embrace neurodivergence, redefine success, and chart your own path forward.

Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!

In this episode, Regina chats with Jackie Hanselmann Sergi. Jackie shares her story about growing up in a blended military family, her history challenging social norms, and how her path diverged from her expected career to a "not real" coaching business.

You can read more about Jackie at the Radical Spark Coaching website and follow on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Book a Free Clarity Call with Regina

About Regina McMenomy Ph.D.

Host of the Divergent Paths Podcast | ADHD & Neurodiversity Advocate | Founder, Divergent Paths Consulting

Welcome to Divergent Paths, a podcast dedicated to exploring life, work, and creativity through the lens of neurodiversity. Hosted by Regina, founder of Divergent Paths Consulting, the show delves into the experiences of individuals navigating ADHD and other invisible disabilities. As someone who received a late ADHD diagnosis, Regina brings personal insights and professional expertise to each episode, helping listeners find new ways to thrive in a neurotypical world.

With over 20 years of experience in instructional design, project management, and coaching, Regina is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where neurodiverse individuals can succeed. Through this podcast, Regina shares conversations with experts, professionals, and everyday people, offering tips, strategies, and stories of empowerment.

Tune in to learn how to embrace neurodivergence, redefine success, and chart your own path forward.

Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!

In this inaugural episode of Divergent Paths, host Dr. Regina McMenomy, Ph.D. shares her personal journey of discovering her neurodivergent identity later in life. Reflecting on her ADHD diagnosis, Regina discusses how it has reshaped her understanding of past challenges and family dynamics. Joined by her longtime friend Russ, they reminisce about their teenage years and how those experiences tie into Regina's story. Listeners are introduced to Regina’s background in academia, her evolution from video gaming to board games, and the life changes that guided her to start this podcast. This episode provides an intimate look at the highs and lows of navigating a late diagnosis, setting the stage for future conversations with others on similar paths.

Book a Free Clarity Call with Regina

About Regina McMenomy Ph.D.

Host of the Divergent Paths Podcast | ADHD & Neurodiversity Advocate

Welcome to Divergent Paths, a podcast dedicated to exploring life, work, and creativity through the lens of neurodiversity. Hosted by Regina, founder of Divergent Paths Consulting, the show delves into the experiences of individuals navigating ADHD and other invisible disabilities. As someone who received a late ADHD diagnosis, Regina brings personal insights and professional expertise to each episode, helping listeners find new ways to thrive in a neurotypical world.

With over 20 years of experience in instructional design, project management, and coaching, Regina is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where neurodiverse individuals can succeed. Through this podcast, Regina shares conversations with experts, professionals, and everyday people, offering tips, strategies, and stories of empowerment.

Tune in to learn how to embrace neurodivergence, redefine success, and chart your own path forward.