Riffin' About Life with Brian R. King, MSW

Brian R. King, MSW
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Semimonthly

Riffin About Life is a raw and real podcast hosted by Brian R. King, MSW — speaker, author, and neurodivergent dad of three. In each episode, Brian shares honest, unscripted conversations with thought leaders, educators, creators, and fellow humans navigating life with all its complexity. Whether they’re talking parenting, neurodivergence, communication, resilience, or just what it means to be human — no topic is off-limits. This show is about real stories, real connection, and the small, everyday moments that shape us. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and anyone who’s ever felt like they do

  1. 3d ago

    What If One Small Decision Changed the Direction of Your Life? with Dr. Arnon Krongrad

    Most of us spend our lives waiting for the big breakthrough—the moment that changes everything. But what if life doesn't work that way? What if the moment that changes your future starts with something as ordinary as cooking dinner and sending a text to a friend? In this fascinating conversation, Brian sits down with physician, surgeon, and educator Dr. Arnon Krongrad to explore how a simple meal unexpectedly led to a growing global community centered on curiosity, lifelong learning, and helping people think more deeply about their health and the world around them. Together, they discuss the surprising ways our lives can be shaped by seemingly insignificant moments, why curiosity often opens doors that careful planning never could, and how following genuine interest can lead to work you never imagined yourself doing. Dr. Krongrad also shares why he shifted his focus from treating disease to helping people think more intentionally about long-term health, resilience, and the everyday choices that influence how we live. Along the way, the conversation touches on learning through experience, questioning assumptions, finding trustworthy information in a noisy world, and why simple answers are often harder to find than complicated ones. And yes—you'll finally hear the story behind his tongue-in-cheek claim that he "killed disco." If you've ever wondered whether the unexpected detours in your life might actually be pointing you toward something meaningful, this conversation offers a refreshing reminder that purpose isn't always planned. Sometimes it begins with curiosity. Connect with Dr. Arnon Krongrad Website:https://worldofezz.com WhatsApp Community:https://chat.whatsapp.com/EMUL69UUbDDAtgTJYQZp7K LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnonkrongrad/ X:https://x.com/ArnonKrongrad

  2. Sep 24

    Why Did No One See It Sooner? with Tiara Brumberg

    What if you've spent your entire life believing you were the problem… only to discover your brain was simply working differently all along? In this thoughtful and encouraging conversation, Brian sits down with ADHD coach Tiara Brumberg to explore the reality of late ADHD diagnosis, why so many women go unnoticed for years, and what happens when everything you thought you knew about yourself suddenly starts to make sense. Tiara shares the winding path that led her from studying psychology and working with children who struggled in school to discovering that she—and eventually much of her own family—also had ADHD. Together, she and Brian unpack why intelligence often masks executive functioning challenges, how perfectionism and people-pleasing can hide ADHD for decades, and why many adults don't receive answers until long after years of unnecessary stress, burnout, or self-doubt. Rather than focusing on "fixing" ADHD, this conversation explores something far more empowering: learning how your brain works so you can stop fighting yourself and start building systems that actually support you. You'll also hear practical ideas for improving communication, managing working memory, advocating for yourself at work and at home, and using tools—including AI—to reduce mental overload without shame. Whether you've recently been diagnosed, suspect you might have ADHD, or love someone who is neurodivergent, this episode is filled with compassionate insights that can help replace frustration with understanding. Because the goal isn't to become someone else. It's to stop believing that different means broken. Connect with Tiara Brumberg Website:www.tiaratheadhdcoach.com Facebook:The Middle ADHD Coaching Instagram:@the_middle_adhd_coaching LinkedIn:The Middle Coaching and Consulting Email:tiara@themiddlecoaching.net

  3. Sep 17

    What If You Had to Rebuild the Person You Used to Be? with Kneet

    What happens when your voice isn't just silenced—but your sense of who you are begins to disappear? In this deeply personal conversation, Brian sits down with independent artist and advocate Kneet to explore a journey that spans continents, cultures, creativity, and survival. Born and raised in Thailand with Indian Punjabi roots, Kneet shares how growing up between cultures shaped her identity—and how music became her first language of self-expression. But life took an unexpected turn. After moving to the United States to pursue her dreams, she found herself navigating years of abuse, isolation, and the difficult process of reclaiming the parts of herself she felt had been taken away. Rather than allowing those experiences to define her, she chose to transform them into music, advocacy, and a renewed commitment to protecting what matters most. Together, Brian and Kneet discuss what it means to lose your identity, why healing is rarely a straight line, and how choosing joy can become an intentional act of resilience—even when life still feels uncertain. They also explore the role creativity can play in recovery, the importance of staying connected to your values, and why rebuilding your life often begins with small, deliberate choices made one day at a time. If you've ever questioned your own worth, felt like life pulled you far away from the person you used to be, or wondered whether it's possible to start over after unimaginable hardship, this conversation offers both honesty and hope. Because sometimes finding your voice isn't about becoming someone new. It's about remembering who you were before the world convinced you to forget. Connect with Kneet Instagram: @kneetmusic Facebook: @kneetmusic Music: Search for "Kneet" on all major streaming platforms Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kneetmusic

  4. Sep 10

    Are You Still Protecting Yourself From a Life You No Longer Live? with Denny LaVe

    Sometimes the habits that once helped you survive become the very things keeping you from fully connecting, growing, and moving forward. In this honest conversation, Brian sits down with business owner, author, community leader, and former political candidate Denny LaVe. Denny reflects on how instability, separation, and loss during childhood shaped the way he approached vulnerability, relationships, responsibility, and success as an adult. Together, they explore the hidden cost of always expecting the other shoe to drop, why emotional distance can feel safer than connection, and how experiences from years ago can continue influencing your reactions long after the danger has passed. Denny shares what it took to stop accepting that he was simply “stuck that way.” His journey led him through faith, mentorship, therapy, self-compassion, and a willingness to keep trying even when the first attempt did not produce the breakthrough he hoped for. This episode also challenges the traditional idea of success. Is success only about winning, reaching the goal, or proving yourself? Or can it be found in the willingness to keep pursuing a life, relationship, or purpose that matters to you? If you have ever struggled to let people in, judged yourself for the ways you learned to survive, or wondered whether meaningful change is still possible, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: understanding where your patterns came from does not remove personal responsibility. It gives you a more compassionate and effective place to begin. Listen in for a thoughtful discussion about resilience, emotional healing, humility, love, and why taking the swing can still matter—even when you do not win. Connect with Denny LaVe Buy Blue Collar Blessed:https://amzn.to/44iPkmH

  5. Sep 2

    What If Your Child Doesn't Need to Fit the Box? with Dr. Norrine Russell

    Every parent wants to believe they're making the right choices for their child. But what happens when all the advice, the strategies, and even the professionals seem to point you toward solutions that simply don't work? In this thoughtful conversation, Brian sits down with Dr. Norrine Russell, parenting coach, educator, and founder of Russell Coaching for Students. As the mother of a neurodivergent son, she understands firsthand what it's like to feel isolated, exhausted, and unsure whether you're helping your child—or unintentionally making things harder. Together, they explore what it means to raise a child with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and emotional regulation challenges in a world that often expects every child to follow the same path. Rather than asking how to make children fit the system, they ask a different question: What happens when we build the environment around the child instead? Dr. Russell shares the difficult realities many parents rarely talk about—the burnout, the guilt, the impact on marriages and siblings, and the constant pressure to get every decision right. She also offers something many overwhelmed families desperately need: hope. Her family's journey reminds us that today's struggles do not have to define tomorrow's possibilities. If you've ever questioned your parenting, worried that your child is falling behind, or felt alone trying to navigate neurodiversity, this episode will remind you that success doesn't always look traditional. Sometimes the greatest breakthroughs come when we stop forcing our children into someone else's definition of normal and start discovering what actually helps them thrive. Connect with Dr. Norrine Russell Website:www.russellcoaching.com Social:@russellcoachingllc

  6. Aug 27

    Who Are You When Everything That Defined You Changes? with Monae Evans

    What happens when the life you recognize begins disappearing one piece at a time? When relationships end, grief changes the shape of your world, and new information forces you to question parts of your identity you once believed were certain, it can feel like you have to rebuild yourself from the ground up. In this deeply honest conversation, Brian sits down with speaker, storyteller, author, and talent leader Monae Evans. Monae shares what it has been like to navigate several life-altering changes in a remarkably short period of time, all while continuing to lead, parent, work, and appear as though everything was fine. Together, they explore the pressure to stay strong when you are struggling behind closed doors, the courage it takes to admit that you are not okay, and the importance of finding people who can support you without asking you to hide the messier parts of your experience. Monae also reflects on the determination she inherited from her mother, the relationships that carried her through her darkest seasons, and the difficult process of discovering who she is beyond the roles, expectations, and stories other people placed upon her. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered whether too much has changed for them to find their footing again. It is a reminder that rebuilding does not mean pretending the loss did not happen. Sometimes it means allowing yourself to grieve, accepting support, and taking the next step before you can see where the path is leading. Listen in for a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, community, and learning to trust the person you are becoming. Connect with Monae Evans LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/monaeevans/ Instagram:@monae1130 Email:a.monaeevans@gmail.com For collaborations, speaking opportunities, or inquiries, Monae welcomes connections with people navigating growth, healing, and the process of rebuilding their lives and careers.

  7. Aug 20

    What Changes When You Finally Believe You Matter? with Danielle Bernock

    What happens when you spend most of your life believing your needs don't matter? In this deeply moving conversation, Brian welcomes relationship repair specialist, author, and speaker Danielle Bernock to explore how childhood trauma quietly shapes the stories we tell ourselves—and how those stories can follow us well into adulthood. Danielle shares pieces of her own journey from fear, shame, and feeling unseen to discovering a life rooted in love, courage, and genuine self-worth. Together, they discuss why healing rarely happens all at once, how even the smallest acts of self-care can become powerful turning points, and why so many people unknowingly carry beliefs that were never truly theirs to begin with. Along the way, Danielle opens up about finding unconditional love, learning to stop merely surviving, and embracing the belief that every person has inherent value. Whether you've struggled with childhood wounds, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or the feeling that you're somehow "less than," this conversation offers a compassionate reminder that healing doesn't require giant leaps. It often begins with one small decision, one new perspective, and the willingness to believe that your story isn't finished yet. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to rewrite the way you see yourself, this episode may be exactly the encouragement you've been waiting for. Connect with Danielle Bernock Website: https://www.daniellebernock.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniellebernock/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellebernock/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbernock/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanielleBernockLovesYou TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dbernock X: https://x.com/DBernock Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/utica-mi/danielle-bernock-2025-local-business-person-of-the-year-2025-top-50-women-of-alignable

  8. Aug 13

    The Moment Everything Finally Made Sense with Samantha Foote

    What if you spent years believing you were too much... too emotional... too distracted... too sensitive... only to discover your brain was never broken in the first place? In this powerful conversation, Brian sits down with Samantha Foote, founder of Every Brain is Different, to explore what it's like to spend decades living with undiagnosed ADHD. After years of feeling like she was the problem—and navigating multiple misdiagnoses—Samantha finally received the answer that changed everything. Together, Brian and Samantha unpack the emotional toll of growing up without the right explanation for your experiences. They discuss rejection sensitivity, perfectionism, burnout, and the exhausting pressure to prove your worth through constant productivity. If you've ever wondered why your brain seems to tell you stories that aren't true—or why you've always felt like you had to work twice as hard just to keep up—this conversation will likely feel very familiar. The episode also explores the challenges many women face when seeking a diagnosis, why self-advocacy in healthcare matters, and how understanding your own neurodivergence can completely change the way you parent, communicate, and show yourself compassion. Whether you're questioning your own experiences, supporting a neurodivergent child, or simply trying to make sense of years spent feeling "different," this episode is a reminder that understanding your brain isn't about collecting labels—it's about replacing shame with clarity. Because sometimes the greatest relief isn't hearing that something is wrong with you. It's finally discovering that you've been speaking the wrong language all along. Connect with Samantha Foote Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com Podcast: Every Brain is Different Community & Resources: https://everybrainisdifferent.com

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5
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About

Riffin About Life is a raw and real podcast hosted by Brian R. King, MSW — speaker, author, and neurodivergent dad of three. In each episode, Brian shares honest, unscripted conversations with thought leaders, educators, creators, and fellow humans navigating life with all its complexity. Whether they’re talking parenting, neurodivergence, communication, resilience, or just what it means to be human — no topic is off-limits. This show is about real stories, real connection, and the small, everyday moments that shape us. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and anyone who’s ever felt like they do

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