On this week’s episode, guest host Sam Siegel - soon-to-be registered dietitian - dives into the topic of dopamine, motivation, and eating behaviors through a neurodivergent-affirming lens. This episode is especially for anyone with ADHD who feels stuck in confusing eating patterns and wants a deeper understanding of the “why” behind them.

Sam breaks down:

• What we actually know about dopamine and what it does in the body

• Why the “dopamine deficiency” narrative misses the mark

• Common eating behaviors tied to ADHD

• What it means to have an interest-based vs. importance-based nervous system

• How the INCUP model helps explain motivation for folks with ADHD

• Practical strategies to make eating and meal planning work with your brain, not against it

This conversation offers a refreshing blend of science and compassionate insight for anyone navigating eating with ADHD!

Click here to download the accompanying resource handout for this episode!

Other resources mentioned in the episode:

Stuff You Should Now podcast episode on How Dopamine Works

Nutrition Ally’s blog post, Why Interest vs. Importance Nervous Systems Matter

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Want to work with Sam or her team? Click here to learn more 

The pod on Instagram: @nourishingneurodivergencepod

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode or any other episode of the podcast is not intended to replace the work with a registered dietitian or other medical professional.

In this episode, Sam is joined by Kara Nash, an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and Registered Nurse with over a decade of experience specializing in mental health and autism. Today's discussion delves into common misunderstandings about autism, the physical and mental health challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum, and the importance of personalized care. Kara emphasizes the role of self-advocacy in improving quality of life. Sam & Kara also touch on the nutritional challenges and solutions for neurodivergent individuals and the importance of supportive networks and accessible mental health resources.

Want to work with Kara or interested in her services? Click here to learn more

The Autistic Autism Consultant YouTube Channel

For text mental health support text "Home" to 741741 to be linked with support provider in real time

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@nourishingneurodiverencepod on IG

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode or any episode of this podcast is not a replacement for care from a registered dietitian or other medical professional.

In this episode, Sam and Staci continue their discussion on the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, focusing on the individual experience and how social media rabbit holes are formed as we are looking for answers and how passively consuming certain content can shift your views without your consent. They also dive into how social media algorithms can intensify health anxiety and what role parasocial relationships play into all of this. Sam & Staci end the episode by providing practical tools and strategies to help ensure your fears and anxieties are not being leveraged for sales and to help ensure your choices are yours alone.

Part 1 Episode

How Health Influencers Leave You Perpetually Broke and Unhappy

Social media accounts that can help break down more nuanced information in this space and are rooted in education:

@drjessicaknurick

@foodsciencebabe

@kcklatt

@kcklatt on Substack

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Want Staci to be your dietitian?⁠ Click here to learn more⁠

Want to work with Sam or a dietitian on her team? ⁠Click here to learn more⁠

⁠Nourishing Neurodivergence on IG⁠

Disclaimer: This episode and all other episodes of the Nourishing Neurodivergence podcast are for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute or replacement for direct care from a registered dietitian or other medical provider.

In this episode, Sam and guest Staci Belcher, a registered dietitian, dive into the 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) movement spearheaded by RFK Jr. They discuss the movement's controversial aspects, such as the recent USDA funding cuts, and the inherent biases and conflicts of interest in both the wellness and nutrition industries. They emphasize the importance of being aware of fear-based marketing tactics and how they influence consumer behavior. The episode also touches on the susceptibility of certain individuals to this fearful messaging and the need for intentional, informed decision-making about health and wellness products. The conversation is aimed at providing listeners with the tools to analyze and understand these complexities, especially through the lens of their emotional and psychological experiences with food and health.

Episode 23. Understanding Supplements and What You NEED to Know

MAHA Mamas (feat. Mallory Demile)

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Want Staci to be your dietitian? Click here to learn more

Want to work with Sam or a dietitian on her team? Click here to learn more

Nourishing Neurodivergence on IG

Disclaimer: This episode and all other episodes of the Nourishing Neurodivergence podcast are for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute or replacement for direct care from a registered dietitian or other medical provider.

Coming in at #1 for most listened to episode of the first year of the Nourishing Neurodivergence podcast is our episode about ARFID with Brittany Valentine, enjoy!

On this week's episode, Sam is chatting with Brittany Valentine. She speaks about her personal experience with ARFID, ADHD, and Autism. Brittany breaks down:

• What ARFID is, and how it is different from picky eating

• How ARFID has been "left behind" in the eating disorder community

• What challenges she and other peers have faced trying to seek out treatment options

• Her recommendations for providers to make their space/counseling style more inclusive to neurodivergent folks

• Her advice to folks listening who think they might be struggling with ARFID

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Brittany's pages on IG

@recoveryspirit

Cassidy Arvidson

Hannah & Michelle

Noah & Charity

Lauren Sharifi, RD

Naureen Hunani, RD

Equip

Brittany's Providers:

Reclaiming Nutrition

Recovered & Restored Eating Discovery Recovery Center

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Sam Berkowitz on IG

Nourishing Neurodivergence Podcast on IG

Unmasked Nutrition on IG

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for care provided by a registered dietitian or other medical professional.

In this episode, Sam is joined by Mary Ganfors, a CCI Certified Eating Disorder Recovery coach based in Asheville, NC and founder of Hardcore Coaching. Mary explains the role of a recovery coach and how they support individuals struggling with eating disorders as well as their parents and caregivers. She highlights the comprehensive training provided by the Carolyn Coston Institute and shares insights from her own experience as a parent of a child with an eating disorder. Mary discusses the importance of compassion, consistent support, and practical strategies in aiding recovery, and emphasizes the value of integrating recovery coaches into the care team. Tune in to understand how recovery coaching can provide vital support and improve treatment outcomes.

Want to learn more about working with Mary? Click here to learn more

8 Keys To Recovery From An Eating Disorder Book & Workbook

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Nourishing Neurodivergence on IG: @nourishingneurodivergencepod

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode or any other episode of this podcast is not intended to replace the care of a registered dietitian or other medical professional.

Coming in at #2 for most listened to episode of the first year of the Nourishing Neurodivergence podcast is our episode about OCD and eating patterns with Erin McCallum, enjoy!

In this week's podcast episode, Sam reconnects with Erin McCallum, a graduate school and fellow 'neuro spicy' friend. They discuss their shared journey at the University of North Carolina during the onset of COVID-19, Erin's winding career path from aspiring occupational therapist to public health professional, and her transformative experiences studying abroad in Tanzania. Erin shares her diagnosis journey with anxiety, OCD, and ADHD, reflecting on how these conditions have impacted her personal and professional life. They also delve into her outlook on food, influenced by both past disordered eating patterns and current chronic illnesses. The conversation highlights the challenges and adaptations Erin has faced in navigating her neurodivergence, ultimately leading to a fulfilling career in public health and data management.

Erin McCallum on IG

Erin McCallum on LinkedIn

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Sam Berkowitz on IG

Nourishing Neurodivergence Podcast on IG

Unmasked Nutrition on IG

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for care provided by a registered dietitian or other medical professional.

In this episode, Sam welcomes Katie Hake, the owner of Katie Hake Health and Fitness, a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, and certified personal trainer. Katie shares her journey from obsessive fitness and diet practices to adopting a more intuitive and enjoyable approach to nutrition and exercise. She discusses common myths about fitness, the importance of understanding one's true intentions behind fitness goals, and how intuitive eating can be integrated into training. The conversation also touches on making exercise fun, manageable, and sustainable, while debunking myths around protein intake and intermittent fasting.

Katie Hake on IG

Fit Friends Happy Hour Podcast

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Nourishing Neurodivergence Podcast on IG

Disclaimer: This podcast episode is for educational purposes only. This podcast does not replace the care of a registered dietitian or other medical professional.

Coming in at #3 for most listened to episode of the first year of the Nourishing Neurodivergence podcast is our episode about GLP-1 medications, enjoy!

In this episode, Sam welcomes Erin MacDonald, a therapist, clinical supervisor, speaker, and professor based in Texas, to discuss the topic of GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and Wegovy. They explore the classification of these medications, their functions, misconceptions, patient experiences, and the polarizing views surrounding them. The conversation delves into intuitive eating, weight-inclusive practices, and the complexities of using these medications for different individuals. Both Sam and Erin emphasize the importance of viewing the topic with nuance, and the role of trained professionals in supporting clients through their medication journeys.

Erin Macdonald’s Website

Erin Macdonald on IG

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Sam Berkowitz on IG

Nourishing Neurodivergence Podcast on IG

Unmasked Nutrition on IG

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for care provided by a registered dietitian or other medical professional.

In this episode Sam talks about the highs and challenges of planning and producing the podcast over the past year. Sam shares the three most listened to episodes this year and encourages feedback from listeners to help make the podcast even better. She also shares her top 4 recommended podcasts right now (the ones that are currently running through her ears on the daily!).

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Want to work with Sam or her team? Click here to learn more

The pod on Instagram: @nourishingneurodivergencepod

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode or any other episode of the podcast is not intended to replace the work with a registered dietitian or other medical professional.