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The Business Oddcast
By Stuart Morrison & Hannah LoganBusinessEntrepreneurshipHealth & FitnessMental HealthEducationSelf-Improvement
The Business Oddcast episodes
- ADHD - It's Not Forgetfulness... It's Cognitive Overload - S01E39
Ep39 - ADHD - It's Not Forgetfulness... It's Cognitive Overload
Ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you're there? Replied to a message in your head but never actually sent it? Or put something somewhere really safe, only for it to vanish into another dimension? Welcome to the wonderful world of ADHD working memory, where your brain has 47 tabs open, three browsers running, and the spinning wheel of doom has become a permanent feature.
In this episode, we explore why forgetfulness isn't always what it seems. We get into the difference between working memory and long-term memory, why 'out of sight' so often means 'out of mind', and how cognitive overload can make even the simplest everyday tasks unexpectedly difficult. Along the way, there are forgotten children, mysteriously multiplying possessions, unfinished projects, and some rather questionable household storage systems. We also talk about the frustration and shame that can build up after a lifetime of being told you're careless, disorganised or simply not trying hard enough.
But it's not all disappearing car keys and mental chaos. We explore practical ways to take the pressure off our overloaded brains, from external reminders and calendars to finding systems that actually work for us, rather than trying to force ourselves into someone else's idea of organised. Because forgetting something doesn't mean you don't care, and the answer isn't always to try harder. Sometimes it's about recognising how much your brain is already carrying.
Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: [email protected]Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.
Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!
-------------------------------------
TIMELINE00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to episode - ADHD & Cognitive Overload
00:01:07 - Hannah's topic introduction - ADHD: It's Not Forgetfulness... It's Cognitive Overload00:02:37 - It’s Not That We Don’t Remember - memory is not one single thing00:06:35 - Working Memory: The brain's tiny desk & why complex verbal instructions are painful00:12:15 - Out Of Sight, Out Of Brain - objects, tasks & people vanish if we can't see them00:15:25 - Piles of doom? Nope, physical reminders of things you need to do00:19:00 - How many times have you remembered you sent a reply... but didn't...00:20:43 - Visual reminders help you remember, if you remember what the visual reminder is for!00:23:26 - The doorway effect - ever walk into a room but can't remember why?00:24:57 - Side-quests, the tangent's bigger, more interesting sibling00:26:07 - How do you remember to remember?00:29:18 - A reminder set to early is just another thing to remember00:30:16 - Mental clutter of unfinished jobs, open loops and lifestyle "Buckaroo"!00:35:05 - How many life "tabs" have you got open on a daily basis? Leave a comment.00:37:05 - The shame, what makes it worse? Owning your mistakes!00:40:37 - Stop using your brain as storage, how to remember stuff00:46:57 - Hannah's summary and takeaways00:50:26 - Stu's top-tips and round-up and rant about "accommodations"00:57:51 - UK LISTENERS NOTE: UK GOV "ACCESS TO WORK" PROGRAMME00:58:50 - Don't forget to Like, Share and Subscribe00:59:00 - Next weeks blog - The Completely Unreasonable Rules of ADHD Motivation01:00:16 - LENGTH-------------------------------------
RESOURCEShttps://www.gov.uk/access-to-work - Through Access to Work, you can apply for: A grant to help pay for practical support with your work, support with managing your mental health at work, money to pay for communication support at job interviews
https://businessoddcast.com/the-oddcast-manifesto - Link to the Neuroinclusive Manifesto, Lets build a better, more inclusive society.
https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit target - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people.
https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.
https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodivergent business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.
-------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT
Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/helpContact us: [email protected]
OUR SOCIALSyoutube.com/BusinessOddcastfacebook.com/BusinessOddcastinstagram.com/BusinessOddcast1 hr 1 min - Guest Special - Emma Beattie from Unmasked Studio - S01E38
Ep38 - Guest Special - Emma Beattie from Unmasked Studio
For our very first guest episode, we’re joined by Emma Beattie, founder of Unmasked Studio, to talk about what neuroinclusion can look like when you move beyond awareness and start thinking about how people actually experience work.After almost two decades working in technology, Emma’s ADHD diagnosis gave her a new understanding of how her brain works, as well as some of the challenges and strengths she’d experienced throughout her career.That understanding also helped fuel her passion for neuroinclusion. Alongside her existing role, Emma went on to develop a neurodiversity programme within a global organisation, creating events and opportunities to celebrate neurodivergent colleagues and encourage more open conversations.Now, through Unmasked Studio, she works with neurodivergent people and employers to help make inclusion work in practice.We talk about:Why awareness is only the beginningThe difference between performative and genuine inclusionHow recruitment could work better for different brainsWhy small changes in communication can make a big differenceSelf-advocacy, boundaries and asking for what you needAnd why finding your people mattersPlus, Hannah gets disproportionately annoyed about being asked what chocolate bar she’d be in a job interview. Which, frankly, feels justified.Because genuine inclusion isn’t about ticking the right boxes.It’s about creating environments where different people have the opportunity to do their best work.Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: [email protected]
Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.
Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!
-------------------------------------
TIMELINE00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:00:15 - Hanna and Stu introduction00:00:35 - Neuroinclusive Workplace mention00:01:23 - Emma Beattie introduction00:02:14 - Emma's employment backstory00:04:40 - How work started to become harder around 30...00:05:53 - How did life change after a diagnosis?00:07:20 - Understanding and advocating for yourself in the workplace00:08:55 - Background to starting a neuroinclusive program as an employee00:11:01 - Pitching the idea of the Neurodiversity Awards event at work00:13:38 - Expectations vs impact of the awards event00:15:40 - Was there resistance from masked or not widely disclosed NDs?00:16:40 - What's the purpose of an "awareness day"? So... what's next.00:18:00 - The workplace assessment and requesting accommodations00:20:50 - The importance of management "buy-in" and acceptance00:22:14 - The wider impact of advocating for yourself00:23:30 - Was there any resistance and how did you overcome it?00:26:51 - How did these experiences lead to starting the Unmasked Studio?00:29:07 - Stu's theory on why interviews are not great for NDs00:29:55 - Exploring how Unmask Studio fills the gap in ND recruitment and workplaces00:32:25 - Complacency and ticking boxes - but there's a lot of support available00:33:20 - Closing the gap - what does genuine inclusion look like in practice?00:34:24 - Exploring basic rights for interviews, asking for the questions beforehand00:36:00 - A better approach to the recruitment process for NDs00:37:12 - Unmasked Studio - what's the future?00:38:10 - Barriers, broken processes and best way to ask for 'accommodations'00:40:00 - Surviving the recruitment process and masking your authentic self00:43:02 - Where does Unmask Studio get started when working in a business?00:44:09 - The benefits to the business and measuring the costs to the business00:47:57 - Performative inclusion vs genuine inclusion00:48:28 - Neuroinclusion is not just for neurodivergent employees00:49:55 - Emma's vision of the future for employment00:50:47 - Who Emma/Unmasked Studio would like to connect with...00:52:12 - How to contact Emma at UnmaskedStudio.co.uk and Linked In etc.00:55:48 - The CRUCIAL final piece of advice for NDs from Emma00:56:24 - Outro and goodbyes00:57:35 - LENGTH-------------------------------------
Contact Emma Beattie - Unmasked Studio
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmasked-studio-uk-ltd/ - Unmasked Studio Linked In Page
https://www.unmaskedstudio.co.uk/ - Unmasked Studio Website
More About the NeuroInclusive Workplace
https://businessoddcast.com/the-oddcast-manifesto - Link to the Neuroinclusive Manifesto, Lets build a better, more inclusive society.
https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people.
https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.
https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.
-------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT
Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/helpContact us: [email protected]
OUR SOCIALSyoutube.com/BusinessOddcastfacebook.com/BusinessOddcastinstagram.com/BusinessOddcast58 min - When Your Special Interest Becomes Your Business - S01E37
You know that thing you'd do for free, at 2am, for eleven hours straight, without eating? Yeah. What happens when someone pays you for THAT?
Welcome back to the Business Oddcast — the podcast for neurodivergent entrepreneurs, hyperfocused founders, and anyone who's ever turned a "weird little hobby" into an actual, functioning business (and then wondered why the joy disappeared).
This week, Hannah and Stu are diving headfirst into the obsession-to-income pipeline: the dopamine highs, the hyperfocus spirals, the accidental business empires built out of pure special-interest chaos — and the very real tension of loving something SO much you forget to charge for it properly.
We're talking monetising by-products, mastering the firebreak, why "successful" can quietly become "trapped," and — because we never do just one topic — a full-throttle rant about late diagnosis and female healthcare.
Plus: Stu's branding meltdown, Hannah's graveyard of past businesses, and why building a business that grows with you is basically a 1970s cartoon.
Special interest. Actual income. Zero chill.
Let's get into it.
Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: [email protected]
Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.
Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!
-------------------------------------
TIMELINE00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:00:21 - Introducing the NeuroInclusive Workspace - Take the NIq Audit00:03:40 - Topic of the Week - When Your Special Interest Becomes Your Business00:03:50 - Topic introduction - What happens when the thing you love, pays the bills.00:05:38 - Projects, ideas. EVERYWHERE! Hannah lists her earlier businesses00:07:07 - What's the catalyst for the change?00:09:30 - The tension - being paid for something you'd do for free and not making (enough) money - LINK TO PREVIOUS EPISODE ON PRICING BELOW00:13:29 - The Obsession Stage - doing what you LOVE! Stu's branding challenge00:16:25 - Monetising obsessions - can you "sell" the "by-products"?- LINK TO BLOG ABOUT DOPAMINE BELOW00:17:53 - Obsessions are a dopamine rich environment - but are important00:19:21 - Why the obsession stage is important when starting out00:20:36 - Obsessions build knowledge, which can be sold, but avoid the death of joy00:21:40 - When passion creates chaos and the repercussions of hyperfocus00:23:30 - Mastering the obsessive hyperfocus & importance of firebreaks00:26:08 - Passion projects can boost energy, or at least drain you less quickly00:26:59 - The three issues that always derail your finely balanced energy needs00:28:17 - Why loving what you do helps more than "the money's good".00:31:05 - What happens when all the business stuff steals the joy?00:33:40 - Why successful small businesses become the perfect jail cell00:34:40 - Stu - A RANT ABOUT LATE DIAGNOSIS AND FEMALE HEALTHCARE!00:36:01 - What's the best business move when the passion fades?00:39:09 - Reap the rewards of idle curiosity00:42:50 - Why building a business that grows with you is like 1970s cartoon Mr. Ben00:44:55 - Hannah's tips and takeaways00:46:45 - Stu's tips and takeaways00:52:00 - Round up and plug for our NeuroInclusiveWorkplace.com00:55:55 - LENGTH-------------------------------------
RESOURCEShttps://businessoddcast.com/podcast/pricing-when-you-dont-trust-your-sense-of-value-s01e32/ - BLOG - Following The Dopamine.
https://businessoddcast.com/following-the-dopamine - EP32 - Pricing When You Don’t Trust Your Sense of Value .
https://businessoddcast.com/the-oddcast-manifesto - Link to the Neuroinclusive Manifesto, Lets build a better, more inclusive society.
https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit target - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people.
https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond!
https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.
https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.
-------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT
Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/helpContact us: [email protected]
OUR SOCIALSyoutube.com/BusinessOddcastfacebook.com/BusinessOddcastinstagram.com/BusinessOddcast56 min - Why Some Rooms Make ND Brains Scream - S01E36
Ep36 - Why Some Rooms Make Neurodivergent Brains Scream
Walk into a networking event and feel your nervous system hit the alarm before you've said a word? You're not broken, the room is badly designed.
This week we break down why "just show up and mingle" is agony for ND brains: the unwritten social rules nobody explains, the masking that starts before you're even through the door, and the exhausting calculation of tracking what everyone thinks of you. We name the real cost, event tax, energy overdrafts, and call out why "be more resilient" is terrible advice.
Then we get practical. Who's in the room changes everything: accepted vs. evaluated, belonging vs. tolerated. We talk escape planning, why no chairs can genuinely ruin your night, why background music sabotages conversations, and we share our "yes, and..." trick for finding your people fast.
If you've ever left an event drained and wondering what's wrong with you, this episode is your answer, and your survival kit.
Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: [email protected]
Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.
Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!
-------------------------------------
TIMELINE00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:00:34 - Topic of the Week - Why Some Rooms Make ND Brains Scream00:00:59 - Topic introduction - Why do some spaces feel hostile and unwelcoming?00:02:00 - Why are networking rooms so challenging? A room of uncertainty!00:03:55 - The UNWRITTEN (social) RULES!00:05:41 - Managing the cognitive load overthinking what people think of you00:06:18 - The masking starts before you even get in the room, like Pulp Fiction00:09:03 - How to find the nicest, spiciest people in the room...00:11:22 - Event tax, energy overdrafts - just be more resilient!00:13:36 - Who is in the room makes a difference - are you a needy networker?00:14:40 - Being accepted vs feel evaluated. Who's in the room matters!00:17:39 - Belonging vs "fitting in" vs being tolerated...00:20:30 - The weight of perception and being perceived00:22:00 - The nightmare of overlapping friend's groups00:25:31 - Seeking safety and Hannah's escape planning00:27:32 - When you HAVE to do the thing you don't want to do. Some tips.00:29:51 - Our other podcasts on Business Networking00:30:12 - The safety of predictability & other networking tips00:33:21 - Making spaces better, safer and predictable, you know; INCLUSIVE!00:35:03 - Hannah's story about a chair - RAGE INDUCING!00:38:21 - The dangers of music in the room...00:40:07 - When you find the people you click with00:41:33 - The improv principle of "Yes, and..."00:44:01 - NDs dance, NTs duel - discuss00:45:00 - Hannah's takeaways and insights00:47:53 - Stu's top tips and thoughts00:53:37 - Thank you and goodbye00:55:00 - August's theme - Special Interests and Hyperfocus00:56:24 - LENGTH-------------------------------------
RESOURCEShttps://businessoddcast.com/the-oddcast-manifesto - Link to the Neuroinclusive Manifesto, Lets build a better, more inclusive society.
https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit target - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people.
https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond!
https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.
https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.
-------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT
businessoddcast.comOUR SOCIALS
youtube.com/BusinessOddcastfacebook.com/BusinessOddcastinstagram.com/BusinessOddcast57 min - Pathological Demand Avoidance - Trait Talking S01E01
Pathological Demand Avoidance aka PDA - Trait Talking S01E01
In our series for the Neuroinclusive Workplace we are looking at traits, and their impact on the neurodivergent.
Today we discuss PDA; what's PDA? Pathological Demand Avoidance...
Ever been asked to do something you were literally about to do… and suddenly your brain responds with a very firm "Absolutely not"?
Welcome to the wonderfully confusing world of PDA.
In this first episode of our new Trait Talking series, we take a closer look at one of the most misunderstood neurodivergent traits. We explore why demands – whether they come from other people or from ourselves – can trigger genuine resistance, why PDA isn't about being difficult or lazy, and why so many of us end up questioning our own reactions.
We also talk about the everyday reality of living with PDA: deadlines that somehow make a task harder, the difference between procrastination and demand avoidance, why body doubling doesn't work for everyone, and how a simple change in language can make a surprising difference. Along the way, we share plenty of our own lived experiences (including unopened presents, dishwashers, DIY, hugs, and tax returns) because, as ever, neurodivergence rarely follows a straight line.
Whether you identify with PDA yourself, live with someone who does, or simply want to understand why "just do it" is rarely that simple, this episode is a compassionate introduction to a trait that's often hidden behind misunderstanding.
Because understanding what's happening inside your brain is often the first step towards being a little kinder to yourself.
Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: [email protected]
Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.
Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!
-------------------------------------
TIMELINE00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:00:50 - Today's Trait - Intro to Pathological Demand Avoidance - PDA00:02:18 - Description of Pathological Demand Avoidance - PDA00:04:20 - Hannah's lived experience - the internal PDA pressure00:06:45 - Gaslighting yourself about your own PDA00:08:15 - I will open presents in my own time TYVM!00:10:20 - The "Naughty Child" label00:12:02 - "I need that for Wednesday at 3pm" - NOPE! Better deadline scheduling00:15:01 - Why it's not just procrastination00:16:21 - Can bodydoubling help?00:17:35 - PDA affects more than just work, even making decisions comes with PDA00:19:26 - PDA can turn up at the worst possible time too with accomplices00:23:01 - Managing staff with PDA and the importance of context and "feeling it"00:25:00 - Why you don't say "We need to leave now" & gaslighting your own PDA00:26:30 - Round up and outro thank you and goodbye00:27:15 - Hugging... nope...00:29:19 - Like, Share and Subscribe00:29:45 - LENGTH-------------------------------------
RESOURCES
https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention.
https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.
https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.
-------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT
Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/helpContact us: [email protected]
OUR SOCIALSyoutube.com/BusinessOddcastfacebook.com/BusinessOddcastinstagram.com/BusinessOddcast30 min - The No Toolkit - Boundaries for ND Brains - S01E34
Episode 34: The ‘No’ toolkit- Boundaries for ND brains
For something that's only two letters long, "no" can create a truly astonishing amount of panic. One boundary becomes a guilt spiral, three imagined arguments, and a sudden urge to explain your entire life story to justify why you can't help someone move house on a Tuesday afternoon.
In this episode, we unpack why saying no can feel so disproportionately difficult for neurodivergent people. From people-pleasing and rejection sensitivity to masking, perfectionism, and the fear of disappointing others, we explore why so many of us end up saying yes long after we've run out of time, energy, and capacity.We talk about overcommitting, resentment, energy management, and the hidden cost of constantly putting everyone else's needs ahead of our own. We also share practical strategies for creating boundaries that actually stick, including scripts, pause techniques, recognising when resentment is trying to tell you something important, and learning how to say no without writing a 14-page witness statement in your defence.
Because boundaries aren't about being difficult. They're about making sure there's still enough of you left for the things that matter.
If you've ever agreed to something and immediately regretted it... this one's for you.
Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: [email protected]
Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.
Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!
-------------------------------------
TIMELINE00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:00:46 - Topic of the Week - The No Toolkit - Boundaries for ND Brains00:01:21 - Topic introduction - No, boundaries and protection00:03:28 - Why the concept of "no" feels so big & risky00:05:19 - How burnout affects priorities, no as a survival tactic00:06:32 - The cost of "no" and creating room for rest and recovery00:09:10 - What a disproportionate reaction to new boundaries means00:10:51 - The cost of over-accommodation of others00:12:43 - The bigger the excuse you give the more they have to work with00:13:23 - The soft "no" - the calendar check-in before response00:15:26 - Why saying "yes" is a dopamine trap...00:17:05 - TANGENT 01 - Stu muses on ND's naive quality that gets taken advantage of00:18:20 - Boundaries aren't control - it's about protecting our energy00:19:00 - TANGENT 02 - Hannah shares a real-world example of not saying no00:20:03 - Do you respect and believe your own "No"?00:20:50 - Resenting not saying NO!00:22:13 - Approaches to saying "no"00:26:40 - Dealing with repeat offenders00:27:43 - Saying no to yourself is often the hardest boundary to impose00:31:33 - Energy management lesson learned from running00:32:02 - Rest Guilt and struggling to switch off and resting being "lazy"00:35:28 - Why are you full of resentment when you say yes?00:37:01 - Red flagging unwarranted and disproportionate push back Pt2.00:37:50 - When "no" can be detrimental, conserve your energy strategically00:40:22 - You don't owe them your life story to put a boundary in place00:43:17 - Stuart's business confession about his diary00:45:07 - The double empathy trap keeping you time-starved and energy poor00:46:03 - Stu's energy issues with short-notice change00:47:40 - Is it you or your mask saying "yes"?00:50:08 - HELL YEAH! or F&CK NO!00:50:30 - Hannah takeaways and insights00:54:45 - Stu's top tips and thoughts00:57:58 - Thank you and goodbye00:59:47 - LENGTH-------------------------------------
RESOURCES HTML
RESOURCES
https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention.
https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.
https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.
-------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT
Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/helpContact us: [email protected]
OUR SOCIALSyoutube.com/BusinessOddcastfacebook.com/BusinessOddcastinstagram.com/BusinessOddcast1 hr - Success Feels Weird When You’re Used to Struggling - S01E33
DESCRIPTION - FULL
Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: [email protected]Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.
Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!
-------------------------------------
TIMELINE00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:00:31 - Topic of the Week - Success Feels Weird When You’re Used to Struggling00:00:46 - Topic introduction - Exploring challange of success, and feral badgers00:02:24 - Disclaimer - plan for the best, expect the worse, what happens when plans work ?00:03:37 - We explore why 'survival mode' feels familiar - the safety of chaos.00:04:28 - Stuart's brain needs to define "success" - and a note about today's topic00:06:24 - Hannah's "goals" define her anti-hustle culture "success"00:08:28 - Example of survival mode being familiar and comfortable00:10:48 - Overfunctioning becoming our identity & why we feel worthwhile00:12:28 - Unreasonable self-expectations and over-delivery excuses your Oddness00:15:59 - Your worth should not be based on your "success" and your wins00:18:21 - Shouting about your wins can feel un-authentic, and irrelevant because, NEXT!00:20:45 - Protestant work ethic, work harder, do more, no rest, ever onward!00:21:55 - The discomfort of receiving - Link to Birthdays EPISODE00:23:43 - Awkwardly receiving praise, FLIPPIN G THE SCRIPT...00:24:42 - The struggle to ask for, or accept ANY help.00:26:52 - Summary of this section ...00:27:19 - Success level up - new unexpected fears unlocked!00:30:17 - When is enough enough? WHen do you stop trying to achieve MORE!00:30:55 - IMPOSTER'S SYNDROME ENTERS THE CHAT - staying grounded helps00:33:00 - When our business becomes more visible, it raises the emotional stakes00:35:15 - RSD raises the emotional stakes whe you "go public" with your thoughts00:37:23 - ND is woven into your energy - is your "success" sustainable long term?00:41:30 - Are you constantly "almost there"? Is your perfectionism running the show?00:42:48 - How to overcome perfectionism, Stu's tolerance tool!00:44:37 - The tyranny of perfectionism and the addic tion of productivity00:48:07 - Learning to tolerate the calm00:52:20 - Hannah takeaways and insights - your worth is more than you productivty00:55:28 - Stu's top tips and thoughts - celebrate wins and use buffer day s FTW!00:57:53 - Thank you and goodbye00:58:50 - LENGTH-------------------------------------
RESOURCESLink to Podcast about surviving celebrations
Link to blog post on undervaluing your services
Link to the Neuro-inclusive Oddcast Manifesto
https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond!
https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.
https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.
-------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT
Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/helpContact us: [email protected]
OUR SOCIALSyoutube.com/BusinessOddcastfacebook.com/BusinessOddcastinstagram.com/BusinessOddcast59 min - Pricing When You Don’t Trust Your Sense of Value - S01E32
Episode 32: Pricing When You Don’t Trust Your Sense of Value
Eps 32 - Pricing When You Don’t Trust Your Sense of Value
Pricing should be simple, shouldn’t it? Work out the time, add the costs, decide the margin, send the quote, float away looking financially competent. Lovely. Except for many neurodivergent business owners, pricing is rarely just maths. It gets tangled up with self-worth, rejection sensitivity, time blindness, imposter syndrome, financial instability, and the quiet horror of someone saying, “Is that your best price?”In this episode, we unpack why pricing can feel so emotionally loaded when your internal sense of value is a bit… wobbly. We talk about undercharging, overexplaining, defensive pricing, “just jobs”, comparison spirals, and why your price is not a referendum on your worth as a human being. We also get into the very real cost of giving away time you didn’t mean to give away, especially when every “quick favour” comes with admin, context switching, recovery time, and a small existential wobble.
This is about building pricing that is grounded in reality, not panic. Tracking your time, reviewing your rates, adding buffers, practising pricing conversations, and learning to sit in the silence after you’ve said the number. Because you are not charging for approval. You are charging for skill, experience, capacity, and the life force required to do the work properly.
Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: [email protected]
Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.
Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!
-------------------------------------
TIMELINE00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:00:31 - Introducing May's Theme - Money, Worth and Neurodivergent Business Confidence00:00:55 - Topic of the Week - Pricing When You Don’t Trust Your Sense of Value00:01:11 - Topic introduction - Pricing is more than just maths, there's self worth, rejection00:02:40 - Pricing Is Emotional, Not Logical - Pricing is a popularity contest00:04:54 - Stu's views on small business pricing, service offering and market place fit00:07:05 - Under-appreciating your own value, experience, age and soft skills matter00:09:45 - Time-blindness and value distortion, with hyperfocus and giving away hours00:11:41 - The value distortion of "Just Jobs" and making sure your time is valued00:13:45 - Monotropism and hyperfocus impact on time efficiency00:14:33 - Comparison spiral and how it distorts and reduces your sense of value00:15:40 - The perception distortion lens, a story about being a lookalike and a lesson in pricing00:19:50 - BUT... what happens when IMPOSTER'S SYNDROME rides in... How do beat I.S?00:21:30 - With... the "Hair Treatment"...00:23:00 - Shout out to Charlie Ruttle! and the antidote to Imposter's Syndrome00:24:39 - Capacity, anxiety and defensive pricing00:27:01 - One price doesn't fit all and capacity is variable00:29:00 - RSD, pricing, billing, fiscal fear and over-justifying your pricing00:32:00 - The answer... that Stu uses... FIRST THE DISCLAIMER00:36:40 - Self confidence is required at some point as is a purpose00:38:15 - The grateful to be paid pattern, employment, debt and financial attitudes00:40:50 - The power of the silence after you state your price...00:45:45 - Ideas for designing pricing with nervous system safety in mind00:46:10 - Hannah's takeaways00:49:30 - Stu's top tips00:56:45 - Final words - like, share and subscribe.00:57:55 - Next Week's content00:59:47 - LENGTH-------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT
Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/helpContact us: [email protected]
OUR SOCIALSyoutube.com/BusinessOddcastfacebook.com/BusinessOddcastinstagram.com/BusinessOddcast1 hr - Executive Dysfunction Diaries: What it Actually Feels Like - S01E31
Episode 31: Executive Dysfunction Diaries
Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: [email protected]
Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.
Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!
-------------------------------------
TIMELINE00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:00:52 - Topic of the Week - Executive Dysfunction Diaries: What it Actually Feels Like.00:01:05 - Topic introduction - deep dive into how executive function failed us in our lives & businesses00:03:20 - Model of overwhelmed brain executive function brain nopery and raw dogging it on caffeine00:04:30 - The intention/action gap... how we fail to start and how i t erodes your confidence00:07:35 - Tips on how to get started, eventually, because we expect our brain to nope00:10:18 - Accepting the reality you face and not fighting it, tickle your brain00:11:13 - Task initiation paralysis - starting but not being able to begin00:12:14 - The footbath effect...00:13:35 - Hannah's lady brain off picking the flowers...00:14:10 - How do you know if anyone's run a marathon?00:14:21 - No emotion before motion and the wall of negative reaction to the task00:16:19 - How do you do that? The voices in Stuart's head00:18:25 - Hannah's verson of the Sgt Major.00:18:47 - The overwhelm of everything being important all at once and where to start00:19:41 - Stu's "roast dinner" approach to tasks analogy00:21:00 - What comes first? Hannah's triage process and forcing herself to eat the frog00:22:38 - The devil is in the detail - and details are also a rabbit hole00:24:31 - Time blindness - Hannah and Stu's nemesis and the word "JUST"!00:27:38 - When asked about timescale - "What would you say"? and "idiot tax"00:29:24 - The emotional friction around tasks and the battle with boredom00:30:30 - The burden of perfectionism, detail and high standards00:32:00 - Things Stu has learned the hard way of being at the cheap end of the market00:33:33 - The dangers of "Boredom" and the effects on the ND brain00:35:50 - Perfection delay - unable to finish as the project may fall short of perfection00:36:41 - Shame, anger and frustration as your background noise00:39:27 - The cost of "pushing through" and forcing yourself through executive dysfunction00:44:10 - The aftermath of completion - mourning the end of a great project00:46:24 - Hannah's biggest client red flag and how to avoid ALL project red flags00:48:45 - Roundup - H's takeaways, amd S's hints and tips00:54:06 - Get in touch, let us know your thoughts01:00:00 - LENGTH-------------------------------------
RESOURCEShttps://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention.
https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.
https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for neurodivergent business owners.
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OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT
Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/helpContact us: [email protected]
OUR SOCIALSyoutube.com/BusinessOddcastfacebook.com/BusinessOddcastinstagram.com/BusinessOddcast1 hr - Inbox is Lava - S01E30
Episode 30: The Inbox Is Lava
For something that technically takes a few minutes, the inbox has an impressive ability to feel like a full-blown psychological event. One email becomes ten decisions, three imagined consequences, and a low-level sense that you’re about to be told off… even when it’s just “checking in”.
In this episode, we unpack why the inbox feels so overwhelming for neurodivergent brains — from context switching and decision fatigue to RSD, avoidance spirals, and that very specific dread of seeing a new notification and immediately assuming the worst. We talk about the “avoidance snowball”, the shame loop of delayed replies, and why small admin tasks can quietly drain more energy than the actual work.
We also get practical: triaging your inbox, switching off notifications, using templates and systems to reduce cognitive load, and setting clear expectations so your day isn’t hijacked by everyone else’s priorities. Because the goal isn’t inbox zero — it’s regulation, containment, and making admin feel manageable again.
If your inbox feels less like a tool and more like a threat… this one’s for you.Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: [email protected]
Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.
Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!
-------------------------------------
TIMELINE00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:01:01 - Topic of the Week - Inbox is Lava00:01:30 - Topic introduction - Why the inbox is lava!00:04:00 - Hannah's inbox process00:04:30 - Why small tasks feel overwhelming esp. email00:04:47 - Inbox top tip - snooze email00:07:30 - Context switching and constent triage00:08:56 - Taming the emotional chaos of the inbox00:11:07 - Reducing the anxiety & tyrrany of notifications00:12:50 - Unable to switch off without responding same-day to ALL emails00:14:00 - The ND "TO DO" list analogy and H's trauma dump00:15:30 - The avoidance snowballing shame spiral00:16:52 - The voices in your head, dread and avoidance00:18:22 - Noisy unopened emails00:19:44 - Red Rope around your time, everytime. Who respects your time?00:21:26 - Unopened emails & waiting on SPECIFIC emails & cognative residue00:23:01 - Conflicting client masking and overcoming it00:24:53 - Coping with pending tasks, messages and the call of the inbox00:27:24 - The stress of unknown unknowns00:28:25 - Templates, processes and systems for reducing decision fatigue00:30:36 - Some practical tips on how to quieten a noisy inbox00:31:36 - Use of out of office to acknowledge receipt and speed of response00:33:25 - Pre-triage notes on comms to communicate response time00:34:54 - RSD, response time, over analysing and misinterpreting meaning00:36:21 - Missing the social cues when in "work mode".00:37:14 - How do we redefine admin success?00:38:24 - What your business actually does & you're not your business00:38:52 - The two succeasful models for small business success00:40:06 - A barebones business saves energy - Stu's business insights00:42:20 - The first task for any business owner within their business00:43:57 - Inbox zero is NOT the goal, OCD be damned!00:45:37 - Hannah's "Tips n Takeaways" starting with "admin fear"00:46:35 - Boundaries, containment and templates00:47:09 - SET FIRE TO PERFECTIONISM!00:47:40 - Stu's "Tips" - clear communication is key00:48:20 - Build a routine around email checking at SPECIFIC times00:50:01 - Templates, processes and systems are your friends00:51:12 - Archive & label to organise your email is key to happiness00:52:44 - Stop at "good enough" - perfectionism is a mofo00:53:37 - H's Tangent Queen in full effect00:54:41 - Start slowly, and a genuine offer of help00:55:50 - Final words, like, share and subscribe00:58:25 - LENGTH-------------------------------------
RESOURCES
https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention.
Information regarding Alexythimia and other helpful autism and autistic related factsheets on the link.https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.
https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.
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OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT
Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/helpContact us: [email protected]
OUR SOCIALSyoutube.com/BusinessOddcastfacebook.com/BusinessOddcastinstagram.com/BusinessOddcast59 min
About The Business Oddcast
From the publisher's feed
The Podcast for Neurodivergent Business Owners.
No hustle culture, no corporate nonsense, just honest conversations about running a business with a 'spicy brain', and real-world tested resources that help.
Hello, welcome to the Business Oddcast! We’re Hannah & Stu, two late-diagnosed, awesome-brained humans figuring out how to run businesses without pretending to be “normal.”
We’re so excited to share stories, insights, & laughs with you as we celebrate the business brilliance of the ASD, ADHD, AuDHD and neurodivergent community.
This is where we unmask, swap real stories, and dive into the gloriously odd side of entrepreneurship without any corporate “small talk” and forced networking smiles, just honest, weird, and wonderfully creative conversations.
Sign-up for notifications & join the Odd Squad, and be notified when each new episode drops… because we know your executive function might not remind you!
businessoddcast.com