Odd Ducklings

Odd Ducklings

By Daria.mushinskyBusinessCareers
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Odd Ducklings episodes

  • Should I Get Diagnosed? | Pros, Risks & Realities of Adult Neurodivergent Diagnosis

    What does “getting diagnosed” really mean—beyond the label?
    In this episode of Odd Ducklings, Daria and Katie untangle all the tension, hope, fear, and possibility that come with pursuing or living with a neurodivergent diagnosis in adulthood.

    We talk about:

    • The pressure to simplify complex neuro stories for the algorithm

    • How labels can hurt or heal

    • Disclosure, boundaries, and navigating judgement at work

    • Tools like the “Workplace Adjustment Passport” and real talk about asking for what you need

    If you’ve ever whispered to yourself, “Do I even deserve the label—or is it just another performance?” — this one’s for you.

    🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods
    📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube

    ➤ Subscribe to Odd Ducklings on YouTube: [YouTube Channel Link / placeholder]
    ➤ Follow us / Leave a review on Spotify: [Spotify Podcast Link / placeholder]

    Drop a comment or question below—what parts of diagnosis feel messy or clear to you? We might do a follow-up just based on your messages.
    Stay odd, friend.

    24 min
  • Why I Talk About Failure (and You Should Too) - Embracing Failure because perfection is overrated!

    Welcome back to Odd Ducklings! In today’s episode, I’m diving into why we should talk about failure — especially as neurodivergent creators. Inspired by agile culture and messy life lessons, I’m unpacking how owning mistakes reduces shame, builds resilience, and fuels creativity.This is Day 3 (AND 4 MAYBE?) of my 7-day challenge to post one video a day around creativity, neurodiversity, ADHD, perfectionism, and the unpredictable process of making things happen (or not) and learning from it.You can also check my reaction to this video where I make fun and painfully judge my current AND old self for all the obvious reasons! 😁https://youtu.be/94acr-GKpBsNew video every day this week — let’s see where this takes us.🎥 Subscribe, like, comment — your feedback means everything.

    22 min
  • Failing Upwards: How Mistakes Make You Better 🚀 a reaction to my old self

    Welcome to Odd Ducklings! In this reaction episode, I’m looking back at a video I made about failure — and reflecting on how my thoughts have shifted since then. It’s a raw, honest check-in with my past self about growth, making mistakes, and learning out loud.You can also check my old video if you prefer 😁https://youtu.be/xjme70i83GoThis is Day 3 (AND 4 MAYBE?) of my 7-day challenge, releasing one video a day on creativity, neurodiversity, ADHD, perfectionism, and making imperfect things happen.New video every day this week — let’s see where this takes us.🎥 Subscribe, like, comment — your feedback means everything.

    42 min
  • Beyond the Pixels: Neurodiversity in Wreck-It Ralph & Our Experiences (Cinema Therapy Reaction)

    We're back with a new episode, reacting to Cinema Therapy's take on "Wreck-It Ralph"! We keep things light and conversational while also digging into the themes of neurodiversity we see reflected in Ralph's story. Join us as we share our personal experiences and connect them to the movie in surprising and insightful ways.Huge thanks to our ADHD buddies at ⁨@CinemaTherapyShow⁩ We Also highly recommend Checking their episode on 'Luca' if you haven't already! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFtxIZWZbeULet us know what we missed in the comments!❤️❤️❤️❤️Daria and Katie-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This video contains copyrighted material used under Fair Use (Section 107 of the Copyright Act) for purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. Clips from Wreck-It Ralph (© Disney) and Cinema Therapy’s video are used transformatively. No copyright infringement is intended.This video contains copyrighted material used under Fair Use (Section 107 of the Copyright Act) for purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. Clips from Wreck-It Ralph (© Disney) and Cinema Therapy’s video are used transformatively. No copyright infringement is intended. 🔵ATTRIBUTION 🔵Cinema Therapy. Therapist Reacts to WRECK-IT RALPH. YouTube. Sept 15, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWI1F6xUGlQWritten by: Megan Seawright, Jonathan Decker, and Alan SeawrightProduced by: Jonathan Decker, Megan Seawright, Alan Seawright, and Corinne DemyanovichEdited by: Emily ColtonDirector of Photography: Bradley Olsen

    55 min
  • Should I Get Diagnosed? | Pros, Risks & Realities of Adult Neurodivergent Diagnosis

    Welcome to Odd Ducklings! This is the kickoff to a 7-day challenge where I’ll release one video every day — tackling topics around creativity, neurodiversity, ADHD, perfectionism, and the messy process of making things happen.This intro episode is about why I’m doing this challenge, what I hope to learn, and how I’m pushing past overthinking to just create.Whether you’re neurodivergent, a cautious creator, or just trying to get unstuck — I’d love for you to join, share your thoughts, and help shape what Odd Ducklings could become!New video every day this week. Let’s see where this takes us.🎥 Subscribe, like, comment — your feedback means everything.

    44 min
  • 7 Days, No Excuses: Breaking the ADHD Perfectionism Trap

    Welcome to Odd Ducklings! This is the kickoff to a 7-day challenge where I’ll release one video every day — tackling topics around creativity, neurodiversity, ADHD, perfectionism, and the messy process of making things happen.This intro episode is about why I’m doing this challenge, what I hope to learn, and how I’m pushing past overthinking to just create.Whether you’re neurodivergent, a cautious creator, or just trying to get unstuck — I’d love for you to join, share your thoughts, and help shape what Odd Ducklings could become!New video every day this week. Let’s see where this takes us.🎥 Subscribe, like, comment — your feedback means everything.

    16 min
  • Ep 8: Predictably undiagnosed or the impossible tale of Gender Bias

    In this episode, it's just you and me as we delve into the impactful topic of gender bias in medical diagnoses. I share my personal journey with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and discuss the broader implications of gender bias, including misdiagnoses and the historical neglect of female-specific conditions in medical research. This episode sets the stage for a series of upcoming interviews that will delve deeper into these critical issues. 

    Connect with me on:

    • Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

    • If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

      • ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠
      • ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠
      • ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

      • If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

        37 min
      • Ep 7: Discussing the power of language with Rawi Nanakul

        The Impact of Language on Neurodivergent Narratives | Odd Ducklings Podcast

        In this episode, we spotlight Rawi, an ADHD and product management coach, as he delves into the critical role language plays in shaping neurodivergent experiences. We discuss the importance of self-awareness and emotional regulation, the challenges of disclosing neurodivergence in the workplace, and how to use language to create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.

        Don't miss this insightful conversation on how the right words can make all the difference in understanding and embracing neurodiversity. Stay odd!

        Connect with Rawi Nanakul:

        • ADHDproduct.com

        • ADHDpm.substack.com

        • Rawi’s recommendations:

          • How to ADHD by Jessica McCabe

          • Atlas of the heart by Brené Brown

          • Connect with me on:

            • Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

            • If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

              • ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

              • ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

              • ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠


              • In this episode -

                00:00 Welcome to Odd Ducklings

                00:23 Understanding Neurodivergent Careers

                00:37 Two great points

                05:12 Guest Introduction: Rawi

                06:26 Defining Neurodivergence

                10:13 The Importance of Language and Disclosure

                24:05 Daily Startup Mantra and Creating Space for Others

                25:11 The Power of Disclosure in the Workplace

                26:27 Understanding and Managing ADHD in the Workplace

                28:18 Optimizing Work Schedules Based on Personal Peaks

                33:23 Navigating Feedback and Emotional Regulation

                35:15 Tools and Strategies for Emotional Regulation

                42:24 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

                46 min
              • Ep 6: Embracing self-Awareness, Mental Health, and Life's Challenges with Michael R. Kane

                In this episode, we delve into the importance of being self-aware and how understanding neurodiversity with you and others can actually save a life.

                Our guest today is Michael R. Kane!

                Michael shares his journey as an author, special education teacher, and leader in the Boy Scouts of America. He discusses his personal battles with ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, and how he embraced his neurodivergencies through self-discovery, Finding a purpose, medication and creative writing.

                This episode highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues, and how Michael uses his experiences to assist his students. Tune in for an in-depth, inspiring conversation!

                ⚠️ ⁠TRIGGER ALERT - Talking about suicide: Could be avoided by skipping minutes 12-14


                Connect with Michael R. Kane:

                • Last Train Facebook Page

                • Last train on Amazon

                • Connect with me on:

                  • Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

                  • If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

                    • ⁠Facebook⁠

                    • ⁠Instagram⁠

                    • ⁠LinkedIn

                    • In the episode:

                      0:00 Interview - Michael, on the process of self awareness

                      03:37 Meet Michael R. Kane

                      04:19 Navigating Neurodivergence in Education

                      06:49 Ice breakers

                      11:06 Struggles with Depression and Anxiety

                      12:14 Trigger warning - suicide

                      13:23 End of Trigger warning - thoughts of suicide

                      18:36 Self-Masking and Career Changes

                      21:06 Finding Routine and Self-Realization

                      21:45 Personal Struggles and Relationship Challenges

                      22:44 Opening Up About Mental Health

                      24:12 The Journey of Self-Acceptance

                      27:49 Creative Outlets and Coping Mechanisms

                      31:31 Balancing Mental Health and Daily Life

                      38:22 Discussing the Book and Its Themes

                      39:39 epistolary 

                      I hope you enjoy this episode as we try to get better every time, if you have any feedback or if you think you want to participate in an episode, please send me an email!

                      That’s it for today, stay ODD and I’ll see you on the next episode!

                      45 min
                    • Ep 5: Rewriting Your Narrative: Benjamin Stimson on Dyspraxia and Personal Growth

                      Join us on The Odd Ducklings for an insightful conversation with Benjamin Stimson, a therapist, author, and medieval history researcher.

                      Benjamin opens up about his fascinating journey from North Wales to Canada, and his experiences with Dyspraxia, neurodivergence and learning how to learn.

                      He dives into topics like the impact of suddenly feeling like "the odd one out", boundary-setting, and the influence of cultural transitions.

                      His story is a testament to the power a good education system can have to build Neurodiverse individuals and how a lack of support could break them.

                      Discover how understanding finding and following your passions can lead to remarkable achievements and also how understanding how your brain works can get you there. Tune in for incredible stories on navigating life's challenges and embracing your unique self.

                      Connect with Benjamin Stimpson:

                      • www.benstimpson.com/media

                      • Connect with me on:

                        • Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

                        • If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

                          • ⁠Facebook⁠

                          • ⁠Instagram⁠

                          • ⁠LinkedIn


                          • Topics that came up

                            • The Core of Neurodivergence Discussion
                            • Best and Worst Advice
                            • The Impact of Family Dynamics
                            • Embracing Success and Humility
                            • Talking about History and Achievements
                            • Support Systems
                            • Being Humble - Neurodivergence or Culture?
                            • Moving Across Continents
                            • Dyspraxia Explained
                            • 46 min

                            About Odd Ducklings

                            From the publisher's feed

                            The neurodivergent career, life and everything in between podcast.