Mike and Chaya sit down with James Dewar-Haggart, founder of Strong Path, a fitness organization built to prioritize inclusivity for the neurodivergent community. James shares his journey through depression, substance use, and ADHD, and how those experiences shaped his approach to creating a supportive space that acknowledges both emotional and physical well-being.

We Also Cover:

• How trauma amplifies neurodivergent struggles
• Fostering inclusivity in gym environments
• Emotional health over physical fitness
• Empathy as a foundation for growth
• Community-building for neurodivergent individuals
• Breaking barriers for underrepresented groups
• The influence of childhood diagnosis gaps
• Addressing societal failure in mental health

Quotes:

• "If you do something out of truth, out of passion, and out of love for the thing that you're doing, especially as someone with ADHD, then you can't really go wrong with it."
• "We are taught to study, get good grades, and make money, but not about how to contribute to this world meaningfully."
• "If you make decisions based on your actual feelings, your actual thoughts, and your actual desires, the likelihood of success is so much higher."
• "You’re teaching that child to repress those feelings, but those feelings aren’t going anywhere—they’re just going to amplify."

About James Dewar-Haggart:

James Dewar-Haggart is the Founder of Strong Path CIC, a community interest company dedicated to providing personal training and nutritional advice to the neuro-diverse community. With nearly a decade of experience as a personal trainer, James has a deep understanding of the physical and psychological needs of his clients. He has created a supportive environment in his private gym, where sessions are tailored to small groups to ensure personalized attention. Passionate about breaking down barriers and making fitness accessible to everyone, he continues to work with charities and community organizations to expand his reach and impact.

Connect with James:

• James's Website
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-dewar-haggart-430b48315/
• @strongpathcic on Instagram
• James's Facebook page
• James on YouTube

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!

Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost