Beyond the Checklist

Shannon Reilly
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Beyond the Checklist is a podcast for neurodivergent humans, chronic overthinkers, and anyone who's tired of being told to “just try harder.” I’m Shannon Reilly—ADHD coach, professional organizer, and therapeutic yoga teacher—and I help people create systems that actually work for their brains and their lives. In each episode, we explore what happens when you toss out the one-size-fits-all advice and get curious about what you really need. You’ll find practical strategies, mindset shifts, and gentle tools for navigating time, space, focus, and self—with plenty of real talk along the way. Expect short, supportive episodes on topics like executive function, decision fatigue, digital clutter, body doubling, sensory regulation, and routine resets. You’ll also get bonus episodes with guided practices for decluttering, prioritizing, grounding, restorative yoga, and more—because sometimes, listening isn’t enough. You need a space to practice. This is your invitation to move beyond the checklist—and into something that feels more like you.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Yoga for Focus: It’s Not About Pushing Through

    If you’ve ever tried to “push through” distraction or force yourself to focus—only to end up more drained—this episode is for you. Focus isn’t about gritting your teeth or powering through resistance. In fact, for neurodivergent brains, that approach often backfires. Instead, yoga offers gentle, body-based tools to help you shift your energy, create conditions for focus, and find clarity—without the pressure. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why “just try harder” isn’t an effective focus strategyHow yoga supports attention through movement, breath, and nervous system regulationSmall, ND-friendly practices you can try when your energy feels scatteredThe difference between forcing focus and creating conditions where focus can emergeHow to build compassionate rhythms that support—not sabotage—your attention Resources & Next Steps Explore more ND-friendly yoga practices: simplifyspaceandsoul.comConnect with Shannon on Instagram: @simplifyspaceandsoul If this episode helped you rethink what focus can feel like, share it with a friend—or leave a review to help others find these practices.

    8 min

  2. 19 AUG

    Coaching vs. Strategy: What Support Actually Feels Like

    If you’ve ever wondered why advice alone doesn’t help—or why you can know what to do but still feel stuck—this episode is for you. Today, Shannon untangles the difference between coaching and strategy and explores what real, meaningful support actually feels like—especially for neurodivergent brains. You’ll hear why “just try harder” never tells the full story, how to recognize when support is working, and why the sweet spot happens when coaching and strategy work together. ✨ Whether you’ve felt burned by “bad support” in the past or you’re craving tools that actually stick, this conversation will help you rethink what support should look and feel like. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why coaching is often misunderstood—and what it really means in a neurodivergent-aware contextThe limits of strategy and why tools alone don’t solve everythingHow to know when support is actually working (hint: it feels lighter, not heavier)What it looks like when coaching and strategy combineA real-life client example that shows why slow, supportive frameworks beat quick fixesHow to recognize if you’ve been dismissed, rushed, or overwhelmed by the wrong kind of support Resources & Next Steps Connect with Shannon on Instagram: @simplifyspaceandsoulExplore coaching + strategy support for neurodivergent brains: simplifyspaceandsoul.com If this episode helped you feel a little more understood—or reminded you that you don’t have to figure it out alone—please share it with a friend or leave a review.

    7 min

  3. 15 AUG · BONUS

    Mini-Episode: A Gentle Self-Compassion Meditation for Neurodivergent Students & Teachers

    This short, soothing practice is designed to offer a moment of grounding and self-compassion—whether you’re a neurodivergent student who’s felt out of place in yoga spaces, or a teacher who’s learning how to better support ND students. You’ll be guided through gentle breathing, reflection, and affirmations that remind you: ✨ You are not too much. ✨ Your needs are valid. ✨ Compassion matters more than perfection. There’s no “right way” to practice here. You can sit, lie down, fidget, or keep your eyes open. This is a space to show up exactly as you are. What You’ll Experience A grounding breath practice to arrive in the momentGentle affirmations for students and teachers alikeA reminder that self-compassion is valid and necessaryEncouragement to create and seek spaces that honor neurodiversity Resources & Next Steps Join my upcoming Yoga for Neurodiversity class — details at simplifyspaceandsoul.comConnect on Instagram: @simplifyspaceandsoul If this meditation helps you feel a little more at home in your body—or more supported in your teaching—please share it with someone who might need it.

    5 min

  4. 12 AUG

    Why Routines Fail ND Brains (and What Works)

    If you’ve ever set up the perfect routine, only to find it falling apart days later, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, Shannon explores why traditional routines often don’t work for neurodivergent brains—and what you can do instead to create systems that actually support you. Whether you're struggling with routines yourself, or you're a coach or teacher wanting to create more accessible systems, this episode will offer practical tips and encouragement. In this episode: Why traditional routines don’t work for ND brainsThe key factors like executive dysfunction, time blindness, and inflexibilitySimple and flexible alternatives that actually workReal-life examples of adaptable routinesHow to give yourself permission to adjust and rebuild routines as needed 💌 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who needs a new approach to routines and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

    11 min

  5. 5 AUG

    Yoga for Neurodiversity: Supporting ND Students on the Mat

    If you’ve ever walked into a yoga class and thought, “This just isn’t for me,” you’re not alone—especially if you’re neurodivergent. In this episode of Beyond the Checklist, Shannon explores how yoga can become a powerful tool for nervous system regulation when it’s taught in a way that actually works for ND brains. Whether you’re a neurodivergent student craving a safe, adaptable practice, or a yoga teacher looking to make your classes more inclusive, this conversation offers both validation and practical guidance. In this episode: Why yoga can be transformative for ND nervous systemsCommon sensory and social barriers in mainstream yoga spacesWhat ND-friendly, choice-based, and sensory-aware yoga actually looks likeSimple, actionable tips for teachers to better support ND studentsAn invitation to join the upcoming Yoga for Neurodiversity class Mentioned in this episode: Yoga for Neurodiversity Class – Sign Up Here Teaching Yoga for Neurodiversity Toolkit A gentle, sensory-aware experience designed for ND students and a practical resource for teachers who want to deepen their understanding of inclusive yoga. 💌 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend, student, or fellow teacher who might benefit from a more compassionate, ND-informed approach to movement and stillness. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Beyond the Checklist.

    15 min

  6. 1 AUG · BONUS

    Mini-Episode: ADHD-Friendly Weekly Planning Audio Walkthrough

    Feeling scattered before the week even begins? You're not alone—and you don't need a color-coded planner to find your rhythm. In this special mini-episode of Beyond the Checklist, Shannon guides you through a calming, ADHD-friendly planning process designed to help you sketch your week with clarity, care, and self-trust. This isn't about doing more—it's about making space for what matters. Whether you're planning on paper, on your phone, or just in your mind, this walkthrough meets you where you are. What You'll Experience: A grounding moment to start from your body, not just your brainA low-pressure brain dump to clear mental clutterStep-by-step weekly review and gentle prioritizationSimple structure-building based on your real energy patternsPermission to soften, cancel, or shift what doesn’t serve youA kind, reflective close to center ease—not perfection Perfect For: Sunday or Monday morning resetsMidweek re-centeringTimes when planning feels overwhelming but necessaryNeurodivergent folks looking for compassionate structure Mentioned in This Episode: Explore more tools & free resourcesFollow Shannon on Instagram: @simplifyspaceandsoul

    11 min

  7. 29 JUL

    Why Getting Started Is the Hardest Part

    Starting something new—whether it’s a creative project, a decluttering session, or just replying to an email—can feel disproportionately hard. And if you’ve ever felt stuck before you even begin, you’re in the right place. In this episode of Beyond the Checklist, we explore the real reasons starting feels so difficult, especially for neurodivergent folks, people with executive function challenges, or anyone living with chronic stress. We’ll unpack the nervous system science behind task initiation, bust the myth that you have to “start right,” and share practical, compassionate tools to help you take that first tiny step—without waiting for perfection. What You’ll Learn: Why getting started is a transition—and what makes that so hardThe brain-based reasons we freeze, delay, or avoid starting tasksHow fear, perfectionism, and burnout block initiationTiny strategies that make starting feel safer and smallerWhat to do when you're still stuck (hint: it's not failure—it's pacing) Try These Supportive Tools From This Episode: ✨ The 2-Minute Activation⏱ The Countdown Method🧭 Script Your Start🔁 Anchor to an Existing Habit🧘 Permission to Pause Mentioned in This Episode: Coaching, Organizing & Yoga Therapy with ShannonFollow on Instagram: @simplifyspaceandsoul

    13 min

  8. 22 JUL

    How Yoga Supports Executive Function (Even Off the Mat)

    If you’ve ever struggled with time blindness, task initiation, planning, memory, or emotional regulation, you’re not alone. These are all pieces of executive function—and for many of us with ADHD, executive dysfunction, or a frazzled nervous system, they don’t come easily. But here’s the part most people don’t expect: Yoga can help. In this episode, we unpack how the tools of yoga—breath, mindful movement, interoception, and stillness practices—can strengthen the systems behind the systems that keep you grounded, organized, and regulated. And no, it’s not about perfecting crow pose or meditating for an hour. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ What executive function really is (and why it feels so slippery for neurodivergent brains) ✅ How breathwork, body awareness, and mindful movement directly support focus, memory, and emotional regulation ✅ Why “just meditate” is the worst advice for someone in executive dysfunction—and what actually works instead ✅ Real-life ways to use yoga tools off the mat—like for transitions, planning, and nervous system resets ✅ Simple, sensory-friendly ways to start without adding another overwhelming “should” to your plate You’ll leave this episode with mini practices you can use anytime—no yoga mat, special outfit, or complicated routine required.

    14 min
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About

Beyond the Checklist is a podcast for neurodivergent humans, chronic overthinkers, and anyone who's tired of being told to “just try harder.” I’m Shannon Reilly—ADHD coach, professional organizer, and therapeutic yoga teacher—and I help people create systems that actually work for their brains and their lives. In each episode, we explore what happens when you toss out the one-size-fits-all advice and get curious about what you really need. You’ll find practical strategies, mindset shifts, and gentle tools for navigating time, space, focus, and self—with plenty of real talk along the way. Expect short, supportive episodes on topics like executive function, decision fatigue, digital clutter, body doubling, sensory regulation, and routine resets. You’ll also get bonus episodes with guided practices for decluttering, prioritizing, grounding, restorative yoga, and more—because sometimes, listening isn’t enough. You need a space to practice. This is your invitation to move beyond the checklist—and into something that feels more like you.

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Reilly
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Shannon Reilly
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Checklist