Existing feels like an act of rebellion, especially at a time when leaders meant to protect us just straight up make it their friggin business to undermine, dismiss, and erase our lived experience. 

In this episode of The Neurodivergent Creative Podcast, Caitlin Liz Fisher talks about the weight of living in a world that feels like it's crumbling—while still finding ways to stay alive out of spite, out of love, and out of sheer stubbornness.

We’re talking about mental illness, the crushing grip of capitalism, and the endless political attacks on marginalized communities. But we’re also talking about joy. About all the small, tender acts of creativity and connection that keep us tethered to the world. About finding reasons—no matter how tiny—to keep going.

Because the truth is: Queerness isn’t the problem. Neurodivergence isn’t the problem. The problem is the systems built to crush us. And if those systems want us gone? Then staying alive is our resistance!

💬 “ Yes, stay alive out of spite, but you also have to remember to be alive and to live a joyful life. Because if we're just surviving, like just living another day, that's not the same as this sense of being alive and participating in our aliveness.” - Caitlin Liz Fisher

Let’s talk about Staying Alive & Embracing the Micro Actions:

• Why the overwhelm you’re feeling isn’t your fault

• The sneaky ways capitalism and mental illness feed off each other

• How micro-moments of joy and creativity can help you reclaim your life

• Why staying alive is a radical, defiant, and beautiful act

• A love letter to the people who’ve made survival possible

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Unboxing Queerness, Identity, and Freedom with Petra Vega | #134

Read what Caitlin’s been writing on their blog: 

• My OCD Journey Begins

• How I Scaled Myself Broke

• Seam Rippers

• I Live In a Simulation

Support the Podcast: Membership Drive on Patreon!

🌈 Caitlin started fundraising on Patreon to support The Neurodivergent Creative Podcast and their work in general because they believe in an economy where autistic, queer, and chronically ill people keep their money in the community. 

💋 https://www.patreon.com/caitlinlizfisher

In February, our goal is to reach $500 in monthly mutual aid to get this podcast back up to four episodes a month and to help Caitlin buy higher-quality tissues.If you feel good about sharing a few dollars into the community to help Caitlin take care of their needs, create resources, and as well as continue to hire other chronically ill, disabled, queer creatives, we’d love to have you as a patron!

There are multiple tiers to choose from, starting at just $3, you can snag exclusive perks like shoutouts and even quirky merch. Take your pick! 💜

🌟 Discover Everything That Caitlin Liz Fisher Has to Offer! 🌟|Ready to transform your creative journey and dive into a world of tailored support? Caitlin Liz Fisher offers a range of services designed to empower neurodivergent creatives like you. Whether you’re looking to refine your copywriting skills, find your unique creative voice, or get personalized coaching, Caitlin’s got you covered!

Come here and take your pick 👉 https://www.askfishfisher.com/links

Join our little neurodivergent creative club!

🌞 Want to support these heartfelt conversations about mental health, creativity, and neurodivergence? Hop over to Patreon to keep the podcast going and join us in our free creative community, The Neurodivergent Creative Pod: https://www.askfishfisher.com/pod

Get a copy of the Audacity Bill of Rights when you subscribe to Cait’s newsletter! You’ll get weekly reminders of the power of living audaciously, straight to your inbox.

PS - Caitlin wants to hear from you! Drop Caitlin a DM on Instagram @caitlinlizfisher or leave a comment on the episode (especially if you're tuning in on YouTube).