The AuDHD Boss: Neurodiversity at Work with Brett Whitmarsh

Brett, The AuDHD Boss
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Helping neurodivergent professionals thrive at work. Hosted by Brett Whitmarsh—an autistic, ADHD corporate leader—this podcast offers practical advice, unfiltered stories, and expert interviews about navigating the workplace as a neurodivergent employee or manager. Topics include unmasking, burnout, feedback, accommodations, and more. New episodes weekly. 👉 Visit audhdboss.com + brettwhitmarsh.substack.com

  1. 6D AGO

    Purity Culture Recovery: Shame, Deconstruction, and Autistic Masking (w/ Erica Smith)

    Purity culture. High control religion. Autistic masking. In this episode, Brett (The AuDHD Boss) gets vulnerable about growing up in a fundamentalist evangelical environment—and how rigid rules and shame can stay in your body long after you’ve “left.” Brett is late-diagnosed Autistic + ADHD, and in this conversation with author and educator Erica Smith, they explore why purity culture can feel especially “sticky” when you’re used to rule-following, people-pleasing, and masking for safety. Erica is the author of The Purity Culture Recovery Guide: The Shame-Free Sex Education You Deserve and founder of the Purity Culture Dropout Program—inclusive, trauma-informed education many of us never received. In this episode we talk about: What purity culture is (and how it became a movement) How shame and fear shape relationships and identity Why rigid rules can feel “safe”—and how to replace them with your values What “deconstruction” means and how it can support healing “Is it too late?” (No. Ever.) Late coming-out, “second adolescence,” and reclaiming your timeline How to talk to partners about your background without apologizing for it Links & resources:Erica Smith’s book (affiliate): https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9798881801304Purity Culture Dropout Program: https://www.ericasmitheac.com/the-purity-culture-dropout-programMore from AuDHD Boss: AuDHDboss.com (For education and lived experience—not medical advice.) 00:00 Purity culture, high control religion & autistic masking00:56 Leaving the church, carrying shame + rigid rules01:47 Meet Erica Smith + The Purity Culture Recovery Guide02:47 What purity culture is (broad + specific)04:15 Why it took hold in the 90s (True Love Waits)05:46 Reading recovery work when it feels activating07:42 Skip to the chapters you need (how Erica designed the book)10:10 Myths and misinformation purity culture taught12:59 Long-term impacts: fear, paralysis, pain, disconnection14:53 Autistic masking + rigid rule-following overlap16:04 Replacing rules with your values18:02 What “deconstruction” means18:47 “Is it too late?”21:27 Late coming-out + “second adolescence”24:49 Why “waiting for marriage” still has a hold28:02 Talking to partners without apologizing30:18 Final thoughts + where to find Erica

    31 min
  2. Adult ADHD, Finally Explained (with Cate Osborn + Erik Gude)

    FEB 25

    Adult ADHD, Finally Explained (with Cate Osborn + Erik Gude)

    What was that moment you thought, “Oh… I think I have ADHD”? In this episode, I’m joined by Cate Osborn (Catieosaurus) and Erik Gude (Hey Gude)—the authors of The ADHD Field Guide for Adults—for a practical, honest conversation about what it actually looks like to live with ADHD as an adult. We talk about why so much “helpful” advice doesn’t work for ADHD brains, how to build systems you can restart without shame, and what support can look like when you’re late-diagnosed (including when ADHD overlaps with autism/AuDHD). And yes—we also go into the adult stuff: relationships, intimacy, sex, communication, and the parts of ADHD life people don’t always say out loud. In this episode, we cover: How Cate and Erik approached writing a book as two people with ADHD Executive dysfunction, motivation, and why “simple” solutions often fail ADHD-friendly systems, accommodations, and sustainable routines ADHD and relationships: intimacy, communication, and repair Self-compassion and personal responsibility—holding both at once  The ADHD Field Guide for Adults If you enjoyed this episode, please follow/subscribe and leave a review—it helps more neurodivergent adults find the show.

    30 min

  3. FEB 23

    AuDHD Self-Esteem and Imposter Syndrome: What Helps Me When I Spiral

    Self-esteem has been a complicated one for me as an AuDHD adult (autism + ADHD). I can be confident and capable in certain areas—and then hit a wall in others and immediately start wondering, “What is wrong with me? Why can’t I do the thing?” In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about how AuDHD can impact self-esteem for me—especially on the other side of diagnosis—along with what I try when I feel a spiral coming on. I talk about internalized ableism and masking, imposter syndrome at work, what it looks like when my body knows I’m overwhelmed before I do (alexithymia), and how I anchor back to what I know is true. This isn’t a “you should” episode. It’s me being honest about what it feels like in my brain—and what I’m experimenting with to build self-trust. Resources mentioned Neurodivergent Insights glossary (alexithymia): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergent-insights-glossary/ Self-Care Activities for Autistic People card deck (Dr. Megan Anna Neff): https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781507225066 Show notes bullets (for apps that surface these): AuDHD and why it can feel “not quite ADHD, not quite autism” Strengths vs. struggles and the imposter syndrome gap “A different way in” — reframing walls without self-blame Support without shame (reducing steps, ordering takeout when needed) Alexithymia + body cues + spiraling thoughts Anchoring to what I know is true + a 20–22 minute reset Practicing pride: “take the win”

    15 min

  4. FEB 13

    AuDHD at Work: What Kind of Employee Do I Want to Be?

    For the first time in my life, I’m starting a job as my full AuDHD self—fully diagnosed, fully open, and not trying to pretend I’m neurotypical. And it made me ask a question I think every AuDHD person deserves to ask: What kind of employee do you want to be when masking isn’t the price of admission? In this episode, I reflect on masking in new roles, what changed after my late autism + ADHD diagnosis, and how I’m learning to build a job around my needs instead of retrofitting myself into “corporate rules.” We talk about AuDHD needs at work (novelty, collaboration, structure, recovery), the push/pull of ADHD chaos and autism routines, meetings I miss vs meetings I don’t—and the grief of losing built-in workplace community. Question for you: What’s one accommodation, routine, or boundary that helps you thrive at work? Substack: https://brettwhitmarsh.substack.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuDHDBossWebsite: AuDHDBoss.com

    14 min

  5. JAN 12

    Best Jobs for ADHD & Autism? The Real Answer Is Job Fit (AuDHD)

    Ever googled “best jobs for ADHD” or “best jobs for autism” — especially after a late diagnosis — and hoped someone would finally hand you the answer? In this episode, I’m going to give you the real answer: there isn’t one perfect job title for AuDHD (ADHD + autism). What actually matters is job fit — the match between your interests, your work environment needs, and the communication style you’ll have with your manager and team. You’ll learn: How to use “the spark” of a special interest to find realistic career entry points What environment factors to consider so you can thrive (not just survive) Why manager communication and check-ins can make or break a role Interview questions that help you spot green flags and red flags How to answer: “What do you need to be successful in this role?” without disclosing Links Website: https://audhdboss.com Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R_Lx6TFvZ2A Question for you: Which part of job fit is hardest right now—interests, environment, or manager communication?

    14 min

  6. 12/07/2025

    Neurodivergent-Affirming Care: The 5 Questions You Need

    Finding a neurodivergent-affirming provider shouldn’t feel impossible — but for many autistic and ADHD adults, the healthcare system can be invalidating, confusing, or even overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing five questions that will help you determine whether a doctor, therapist, or assessor is truly affirming, respectful, and informed. In this episode you’ll learn: What “neurodivergent-affirming care” actually means How to screen a provider during an intake call Green flags and red flags to listen for How to avoid being pathologized or dismissed Why these questions reveal so much about a provider’s mindset You deserve care that sees you, respects you, and works with your neurotype — not against it. Follow me on Substack, YouTube, and everywhere @AuDHDBoss for more support and strategies for autistic and ADHD adults.

    10 min

  7. 11/30/2025

    How to Write Your Annual Review When You’re Neurodivergent

    Annual review season can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re ADHD, autistic, or otherwise neurodivergent. Memory gaps, freeze responses, stalled processing, panic, and the pressure to recall a whole year of work can make self-evaluations feel impossible. In this episode, I walk you through a neurodivergent-friendly, step-by-step process for writing your annual self-review — even if you didn’t track anything all year. This is the exact method I used during my 12+ years in leadership, and it’s the same process I taught my teams to help reduce overwhelm, increase clarity, and build confidence during annual review season. ou’ll learn how to do a brain dump that supports ND memory, how to use your calendar and colleagues to fill gaps, how to align your accomplishments with company OKRs and KPIs, and how to advocate for a raise, promotion, or new responsibilities using real evidence — all without masking or losing your authentic voice. Whether you’re aiming for growth, stability, or simply want to get through this process without melting down, this episode will help you approach your review with clarity and self-trust. Why annual reviews trigger freeze mode for ND brains How to start your self-review (even from zero) Using your calendar to rebuild the year Getting memory support from trusted colleagues How to align your accomplishments to goals you forgot you set How OKRs and KPIs actually matter in your review Using AI tools without losing your authentic voice How to make the case for raises, promotions, or new titles What managers look for and how to prepare effectively How to set realistic expectations to avoid RSD spirals Why ongoing alignment with your manager is the secret to long-term growth  https://www.audhdboss.com or https://substack.com/home/post/p-180356961

    16 min

  8. 11/09/2025

    Finding a Workplace Where You Belong — Queer and Neurodivergent Career Advice with Alex Lahmeyer

    Career coach Alex Lahmeyer joins Brett Whitmarsh (The AuDHD Boss) to talk about finding a workplace where you can truly belong as a queer and neurodivergent professional — from navigating interviews to building inclusive Employee Resource Groups and sustaining psychological safety at work. In this episode of The AuDHD Boss, Brett sits down with career coach and talent consultant Alex Lahmeyer (they/them) to explore how LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent professionals can find workplaces that honor who they are — not just what they do. You’ll learn: How to spot psychological safety during an interview Smart questions to ask about inclusion and company culture How to start and sustain Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Why networking is really about community-building for neurodivergent brains 🔗 Connect with Alex: https://linktr.ee/boundlessarc🔗 Follow Brett ( @AuDHDBoss ): audhdboss.com 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on neurodiversity, leadership, and belonging in the corporate workplace.

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Helping neurodivergent professionals thrive at work. Hosted by Brett Whitmarsh—an autistic, ADHD corporate leader—this podcast offers practical advice, unfiltered stories, and expert interviews about navigating the workplace as a neurodivergent employee or manager. Topics include unmasking, burnout, feedback, accommodations, and more. New episodes weekly. 👉 Visit audhdboss.com + brettwhitmarsh.substack.com

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