Neurodivergent Unplugged; Messy, Magnificent Stories From Unlikely Rebels

Ania Hulsman
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Neurodivergent Unplugged shares messy, magnificent stories from ADHD, autistic, and dyslexic minds who stopped masking and started thriving. Hosted by coach Ania Hulsman, it dismantles the incompetency bias and celebrates the brilliance of living true to your wiring. Real talk, no beige filters—just unfiltered stories of burnout, joy, and radical self-acceptance. Because neurodivergence isn’t a flaw. It’s the spark that changes everything.

  1. 4D AGO

    Beyond the Boxes: Masking, Code-Switching, and Multiple Identities | Bashair Ahmed EP14

    In a world obsessed with categorization, refusing to fit neatly into any single box becomes the truest form of resistance. In this episode, I sit down with Bashair Ahmed, a researcher, practitioner, and academic working at the intersection of humanitarianism, policy, diaspora, and migration. Bashair shares why she connects dots across data points from ten years ago, how her brain works like nodes linking fragmented information, and why she believes neurodiversity is essential because "we would still be in the caves without fire" if everyone thought the same way. We also talk about her mission to drop the word "disorder" from neurodivergent diagnoses, what complementarity means in a society obsessed with individualistic competition, and how she's learning to set boundaries so she can be present for her family whilst doing work she deeply cares about. If you've ever felt pressured to choose just one identity, to mask in professional spaces, or to explain why you can't just "fit in," this conversation is a reminder that the boxes were never designed for people like us. And refusing to squeeze yourself into them isn't defiance. It's survival. Episode Highlights:  00:00 Cultural Perspectives on Neurodiversity 32:20 Global Perspectives on ADHD and Neurodiversity 37:54 Work Culture and Inclusivity 46:07 Challenges of Neurodiverse Parenting 55:19 The Importance of Neurodiversity Advocacy Connect with Bashair Ahmed https://www.linkedin.com/in/bashair-ahmed/ https://shabaka.org/ Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniahulsman/ https://www.aniahulsman.com  If this episode spoke to you, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. It would mean the world to me personally, and it really helps others who need to hear these kinds of stories to find the podcast.  Until next time, stay messy. Stay magnificent and stay true to your weird, wonderful self!

    59 min

  2. FEB 8

    When What You Thought Was A Flaw Becomes Your Greatest Strength | Laurie Mabelis Ep13

    The rules of success didn't change. You just finally found a room where your natural way of being was the winning strategy. In this episode, I sit down with Laurie Mabelis, a speaking coach, entrepreneur, and founder of the Public Speaking Academy. We talk about the moment someone told her without invitation that she had ADHD, and why her first reaction was defensiveness rather than relief. Laurie shares how she went from being the quiet, introverted kid who felt invisible to becoming the most recognisable person in her class when the environment finally matched her energy. We explore burnout, what rest actually looks like when you're ridiculously passionate about what you do, why she integrates everything in her life rather than separating work from play, and how she sees magic shows as the perfect metaphor for public speaking. If you've ever been told you're too loud, too excitable, or too intense, or if you've struggled to understand why some rooms celebrate you whilst others shut you down, this conversation is a reminder that the problem was never you. It was just the wrong set of rules. Episode Highlights:  (00:00) Why the ADHD label felt like judgment (17:00) Growing up misunderstood in a radically different family (20:00) Finding rooms where you are celebrated  (43:00) Redefining success from sprinting to running marathons (54:00) Magic shows as public speaking lessons Connect with Laurie Mabelis  https://lauriemabelis.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-mabelis-53a45b117/ https://www.instagram.com/lauriemabelis/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv9KhgV9orRc1J2spJncc5Q Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniahulsman/ https://www.aniahulsman.com  If this episode spoke to you, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. It would mean the world to me personally, and it really helps others who need to hear these kinds of stories to find the podcast.  Until next time, stay messy. Stay magnificent and stay true to your weird, wonderful self!

    1h 1m

  3. FEB 2

    Unmasking Through Movement: The Body Work That Changed Everything | Claudia Kratzheller

    What if the confidence you're trying to project isn't about faking it, but about finally learning to listen to what your body has been telling you all along? In this episode, I sit down with Claudia Kratzheller, a former professional dancer, leadership facilitator, and now coach specialising in somatic intelligence and voice work. We talk about how being labelled "the complicated one" as the youngest of three sisters led her to find expression through dance, a space where she could be unfiltered, joyful, and deeply connected without needing words. Claudia shares how her decades-long journey with the body has informed everything she does now: helping people bridge the disconnect between mind and body, teaching them to read rooms not just intellectually but somatically, and showing up with the kind of grounded confidence that comes from truly inhabiting yourself. If you've ever been told you're too much, struggled to know which version of yourself to bring into a room, or wondered how some people manage to show up so fully present whilst you're still trying to crack the code, this conversation offers a different map. One where your body isn't a problem to manage, but a guide you've been overlooking. Episode Highlights:  (00:00) From dancer to leadership facilitator: Claudia's body work journey (08:00) The jumpy mind: Knowing when to share the "whole load" (09:00) "The complicated one": Finding expression through dance (17:00) Boxing, dance, and high-pressure performance (35:00) Natural strengths: Connecting people and unexpected ideas (44:00) The self-consciousness trap: When body awareness changes everything (48:00) What parts of yourself feel impossible to hide at work (52:00) Why we suppress the quirky, wilder parts of ourselves Connect with Claudia Kratzheller https://body-linguistics.com/ Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniahulsman/ https://www.aniahulsman.com  If this episode spoke to you, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. It would mean the world to me personally, and it really helps others who need to hear these kinds of stories to find the podcast.  Until next time, stay messy. Stay magnificent and stay true to your weird, wonderful self!

    1h 12m

  4. JAN 26

    Why Everything Started to Make Sense Once She Understood Her Neurodivergence | Carla Traini Ep 11

    Sometimes the shift begins not with fixing yourself, but with finally understanding what the patterns have been showing you all along. In this episode, I sit down with Carla Traini, a communication designer turned psychology and neuroscience student, to talk about how burnout became the moment she was finally able to step back and make sense of her own experience. Carla shares how recognising recurring themes in her work, values, and relationships helped her understand her strong sense of justice, empathy, and moral ambition, as well as the exhaustion that came from trying to live up to expectations that never quite fit. We explore late diagnosis, family history, and how developing her capacity for pattern recognition helped her see what had been missing, not in terms of effort or ability, but in terms of the right kind of support. If you have ever been labelled intense, difficult, or too much, or felt pressure to keep pushing through environments that drain you, this conversation is an invitation to pause and look more closely. Understanding what keeps repeating can open up clearer self compassion, more honest boundaries, and a way of living that actually reflects who you are. Episode Highlights:  00:00 Carla and Her Journey on Discovering Neurodivergence 10:29 Challenges and Strengths of Neurodivergence 26:26 Understanding Metacognition and Emotional Processing 31:17 Struggles in Romantic Relationships 34:21 Redefining Success Post-Diagnosis 42:15 Life Hacks for Neurodivergent Individuals Connect with Carla Traini https://www.carlatraini.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainicarla/ Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniahulsman/ https://www.aniahulsman.com  If this episode spoke to you, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. It would mean the world to me personally, and it really helps others who need to hear these kinds of stories to find the podcast.  Until next time, stay messy. Stay magnificent and stay true to your weird, wonderful self!

    52 min

  5. JAN 19

    The Surprising Insights Gained from Understanding Autistic Patterns | Blake Baumann Ep 10

    Sometimes the shift begins not with fixing yourself, but with finally understanding what the patterns have been showing you all along. In this episode, I sit down with Blake Baumann, an Independence Coach who works with neurodivergent teens, young adults, and their families during the often misunderstood transition into adulthood. Blake shares how his ability to notice patterns, in behaviour, communication, and daily life, has shaped both his personal journey and his work. We talk about discovering his own autism through his son, how literal thinking and internal rules can quietly drive burnout, and why so many struggles are misread as motivation or attitude issues rather than signals of misalignment. Blake explains how recognising patterns helps uncover what someone actually needs, from structure and support to autonomy and psychological safety, instead of forcing them to fit expectations that were never designed for them. If you have ever felt confused by repeated challenges, frustrated by advice that never seems to work, or sensed that there is a pattern beneath what others label as a problem, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and trust that your brain is communicating something meaningful.  Episode Highlights:  00:00 Understanding Neurodivergence Through Personal Stories 06:36 The Impact of Masking and Finding Authenticity 23:31 Blake’s Coaching and Transformative Case Studies and Community Impact 32:57 Finding Success Through Pattern Recognition 41:22 Changing Perceptions and Labels 44:56 Defining Your Own Version of Success and Making an Impact Connect with Blake Baumann https://blakebaumann.com https://www.instagram.com/blakebaumannofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/blake.baumann.3 Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniahulsman/ https://www.aniahulsman.com  If this episode spoke to you, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. It would mean the world to me personally, and it really helps others who need to hear these kinds of stories to find the podcast.  Until next time, stay messy. Stay magnificent and stay true to your weird, wonderful self!

    1h 1m

  6. JAN 12

    Learn, Change, Grow: Building a Life and Business That Fits YOU | David Abel Ep09

    When you stop trying to be normal and start trusting how your brain actually works, everything begins to shift. In this episode, I sit down with David Abel, founder of The Digital Light Bulb, brand strategist, and creative force behind businesses that have generated over a billion dollars in value. David shares what it was like to grow up feeling different, to build a successful career without following a traditional path, and to later discover that his ADHD was not something to overcome but something to understand and work with. We talk about masking, hyperfocus, creativity, and why so many neurodivergent people burn out when they try to force themselves into systems that were never designed for them. David reflects on leadership, psychological safety, community, and the importance of values, honesty, and humanity in building teams that actually thrive. If you have ever felt weighed down by trying to fit in, questioned your own way of working, or sensed that there might be a more human way to build success, this conversation is an invitation to learn, change, and grow in a way that honours who you already are. Episode Highlights:  00:00 Discovering ADHD and Personal Growth 09:06 Building High-Performing Teams 24:16 Transformation Through Therapy and Self-Discovery 29:50 Connecting with Influential People 37:45 Advice for Neurodivergent Individuals 41:24 Embracing Change and Looking Forward Connect with David Abel https://www.linkedin.com/in/brand-advisor/ https://thedigitallightbulb.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@thedigitallightbulb Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniahulsman/ https://www.aniahulsman.com  If this episode spoke to you, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. It would mean the world to me personally, and it really helps others who need to hear these kinds of stories to find the podcast.  Until next time, stay messy. Stay magnificent and stay true to your weird, wonderful self!

    45 min

  7. JAN 5

    Making Work More Human for Neurodivergent Minds | James Lovatt Ep08

    Workplace struggles become clearer once we stop focusing on labels and start understanding people. In this episode, I sit down with James Lovatt, a grounded and insightful voice in the world of neurodivergence at work through his role at Aspen. James supports autistic and ADHD individuals, as well as the organisations they work in, by helping both sides understand the real reasons behind performance struggles and the practical changes that allow everyone to thrive. We talk about why awareness alone is not enough, how misunderstanding creates frustration on all sides, and what happens when teams move toward clarity and collaboration instead. James shares why slow processing is not a flaw, how pattern recognition can be a quiet strength, and why understanding someone’s whole story, rather than just their job title, unlocks trust, creativity, and meaningful performance. We also explore self-advocacy, what managers can actually do to help, and why the future of work might be far more human than we think. If you are a manager, team member, or someone trying to make sense of how you work best, this conversation offers practical insight and a more compassionate way forward. Episode Highlights:  00:00 Understanding Performance Struggles and Practical Changes 08:23 The Importance of Context and Individual Understanding 15:09 The Role of Managers in Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals 28:43 Equipping Managers to Support Neurodivergent Employees 51:28 The Diversity of Human Cognition Connect with James Lovatt https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lovatt-6b89a14b/ http://www.aspiedent.com/ http://www.mindsindepth.com/ Resources Mentioned:  Rebel Ideas: The Power of Diverse Thinking Black Box Thinking: The Surprising Truth About Success Steve Jobs - The Lost Interview Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniahulsman/ https://www.aniahulsman.com  If this episode spoke to you, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. It would mean the world to me personally, and it really helps others who need to hear these kinds of stories to find the podcast.  Until next time, stay messy. Stay magnificent and stay true to your weird, wonderful self!

    57 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    The Risk and Relief of Being The Most Expressed Version of Yourself | Asis Patel Ep07

    The shift happens when you stop forcing yourself to be someone you are not and stand in who you are In this episode, Asis Patel, an artist and visual storyteller whose work is rooted in deep listening, witnessing, and reflection shares how creativity became a way to understand himself and others, especially as someone who relates to aspects of autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and high sensitivity. We talk about what it means to live between structure and freedom, rigidity and flow, and how giving full energy to what matters requires letting go of outcomes. Asis reflects on art as a form of connection, how being truly seen can feel both vulnerable and liberating, and why expressing the fullest version of yourself often begins with slowing down and paying attention to your own rhythm. If you have ever felt the tension between holding yourself back and wanting to express more of who you are, this conversation is an invitation to soften into curiosity, trust your own pace, and allow space for your inner world to be witnessed without needing to explain or perform. Episode Highlights:  00:00 Exploring Neurodivergence and Creativity 05:21 The Intersection of ADHD, Autism, and Art 10:56 The Power of Witnessing and Deep Connection 20:56 The Journey to Self-Acceptance 24:50 Asis Patel's Artistic Journey  Connect with Asis Patel https://asispatel.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/asispatel/ https://www.instagram.com/asispatel/ https://www.asispatel.studio/ Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniahulsman/ https://www.aniahulsman.com  If this episode spoke to you, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. It would mean the world to me personally, and it really helps others who need to hear these kinds of stories to find the podcast.  Until next time, stay messy. Stay magnificent and stay true to your weird, wonderful self!

    41 min
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About

Neurodivergent Unplugged shares messy, magnificent stories from ADHD, autistic, and dyslexic minds who stopped masking and started thriving. Hosted by coach Ania Hulsman, it dismantles the incompetency bias and celebrates the brilliance of living true to your wiring. Real talk, no beige filters—just unfiltered stories of burnout, joy, and radical self-acceptance. Because neurodivergence isn’t a flaw. It’s the spark that changes everything.

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