Acronym Minds

Josie Maskell
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  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast where we unpack the letters that shape our inner worlds. From ADHD to PTSD, OCD to ASD, we explore the acronyms behind mental health, neurodivergence and everyday life - not just what they mean, but what they feel like. Replacing stigma with understanding, and labels with lived experience. Diving deep into the language, science, and stories behind the acronyms that often go unspoken. Where neurodivergence meets nuance... and where you’re always more than just a label.

  1. 12/16/2025

    Ep. 24 Navigating Grief, Love, and Happiness Alongside Each Other with Lara Schenck

    Get to know Lara Schenck as she bravely shares her heartbreaking journey to motherhood. One shaped by profound loss, unwavering love, and the quiet, daily courage it takes to keep moving forward.   Through moments of grief, reflection, and resilience, Lara opens her heart to the complexities of longing, healing, and hope.   Her story explores what it means to honor loss without being consumed by it, and how happiness can still exist alongside heartbreak.   With honesty and vulnerability, Lara offers a deeply human perspective of motherhood, reminding us that love never disappears it transforms, guiding us toward meaning, connection, and a future shaped by both loss and light.

  2. 12/07/2025

    Ep. 23 Understanding the NDIS a Little Better with Josie Maskell

    In this episode, we break down one of the most commonly misunderstood systems in Australia the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).   If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or unsure about what the NDIS actually is and how it works, this episode is for you.   We explore the purpose of the NDIS, who it supports, how eligibility works, and what participants can access once they’re in the scheme. You’ll also learn the difference between plan management options, and the realities behind navigating the system for the first time.   Whether you’re a participant, a family member, a support worker, or just curious, this episode will give you a clear, grounded, and easy-to-understand overview of the NDIS without the jargon. Enjoy!

  3. 12/01/2025

    Ep. 22 The Weight of the Past and the Journey to Acceptance with Nathan Stewart

    Get to know Nathan Stewart as he opens up about the hidden wounds of childhood trauma and the long shadows it can cast over adulthood.   Nathan takes us through the realities of growing up in an environment marked by pain, instability, and silence, and how those early experiences shaped his battles with mental health, addiction, and self-destruction.   From alcohol and drug abuse to moments of isolation and suicidal thoughts, Nathan speaks with raw vulnerability about the coping mechanisms that once helped him survive—but nearly cost him everything.    Through reflection, accountability, and a commitment to healing, he shares how he slowly began to unravel the beliefs and patterns rooted in his past. Enjoy!

  4. 11/28/2025

    Ep. 21 What You Don’t See: Living With an Invisible Disability with Josie Maskell

    In this episode, we unpack the facts about invisible disabilities, why they’re often misunderstood, and why so many people are silently struggling without recognition or support.   This episode shines a light on the emotional and physical realities of hidden conditions and the importance of empathy, awareness, and believing people when they say they’re in pain.   I open up about my own journey navigating an invisible injury sharing the parts of my story that usually stay private—the pain, the exhaustion, the overwhelm, the misunderstandings, and the constant pressure to appear “normal.”   I talk about what everyday life looks like behind the scenes, how my injury changed me, and what it really means to live with a disability that others can’t see.   If you or someone you love lives with a hidden disability or injury, this episode is for you. Enjoy!

  5. 11/16/2025

    Ep. 20 The Science Behind the Gut–Brain Connection with Dr. Emma Beckett

    Get to know Dr Emma Beckett a Registered Nutritionist and PhD-qualified food and nutrition scientist, as we discuss the intricate relationship between gut health and mental wellbeing, emphasizing the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain.    Dr Emma's instagram: @dremmabeckett   Key takeaways The gut and brain communicate through signaling molecules Gut health can significantly impact mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is affected by what happens in the gut The gut-brain connection is a two-way street Cultural satisfaction from eating plays a role in mental health Understanding gut health can lead to better mental health strategies The body's behavior is influenced by gut health Awareness of gut-brain interactions can improve overall health Through our chat Dr Emma highlights how gut bacteria produce signaling molecules that influence brain behavior and vice versa, while also considering the social and cultural aspects of eating that contribute to mental health. Enjoy!

  6. 11/16/2025

    Ep. 19 Diagnostic Labels: Are They Helpful or Harmful? with Josie Maskell

    In this episode, we unpack one of the most debated topics in psychology and mental health: diagnostic labels. Do they bring clarity and validation—or do they box people in?   We explore how diagnostic terms like “depression,” “ADHD,” or “anxiety disorder” can guide treatment and understanding, but also how they can lead to stigma, self-limiting beliefs, and misrepresentation.   Join us as we talk through the benefits, the drawbacks, and the gray areas in between. Featuring real-world examples, expert insights, and honest reflections on the language we use to describe the human mind. Enjoy!

  7. 11/16/2025

    Ep. 18 Igniting the Conversation Around Mental Health & Suicide Prevention with Sean Phillip / The Shaka Project

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sean Phillip, founder of the nationally recognised mental health and prevention charity 'The Shaka Project', to explore his personal journey through mental health challenges and suicidal ideation. A journey that led him to find purpose and, in turn, create one of Australia’s most inspiring mental health movements for change.   Sean speaks with raw honesty about his lived experience, the moments that shaped him, and the turning point that inspired him.   What began as a personal mission to raise awareness has grown into a nationally recognised mental health and suicide prevention charity, a community driven movement dedicated to breaking down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health through open conversations, education, and genuine connection.   Throughout the episode, Sean shares how The Shaka Project has evolved from merchandise, local talks and social media advocacy to national workshops and community events that bring people together to talk, listen, and support one another.   This episode is a powerful reminder that mental health doesn’t discriminate and that through compassion, courage, and conversation, we can all play a part in changing the statistics and building stronger, more supportive communities. Enjoy!

  8. 11/16/2025

    Ep. 17 MH, MI & Neurodivergence in the Workplace with Josie Maskell

    Let’s explore mental health, mental illness, and neurodivergence in the workplace, and how we can create environments that are genuinely inclusive, compassionate, and supportive for everyone.   I share insights from my own experiences working in this space, along with practical ideas for employers, managers, and colleagues who want to make a real difference.   We talk about the importance of understanding the nuances between mental health and mental illness, the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent employees, and what true psychological safety looks like in action.   Whether you’re leading a team, shaping workplace policy, or navigating your own journey with mental health or neurodivergence, this episode offers tools, perspective, and encouragement to help you build more inclusive and understanding workplaces. Enjoy!

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About

A podcast where we unpack the letters that shape our inner worlds. From ADHD to PTSD, OCD to ASD, we explore the acronyms behind mental health, neurodivergence and everyday life - not just what they mean, but what they feel like. Replacing stigma with understanding, and labels with lived experience. Diving deep into the language, science, and stories behind the acronyms that often go unspoken. Where neurodivergence meets nuance... and where you’re always more than just a label.

Information

  • Creator
    Josie Maskell
  • Years Active
    2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Acronym Minds