The Neurodivergent Entrepreneur

Patrick Casale

The Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a podcast for ADHD, Autistic, and all other neurodivergent entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creative work, and lives that actually fit how their brains work. Hosted by Patrick Casale, LCMHC, this show is for people who want to create meaningful work, create outside of the box, grow their impact, and build something sustainable without losing themselves in the process. Being a neurodivergent entrepreneur can feel like holding a lot of contradictions at once. You may have big ideas, deep passion, creative energy, and a strong desire to do things differently. You may also be navigating burnout, masking, self-doubt, perfectionism, rejection sensitivity, executive dysfunction, inconsistent energy, and the pressure to keep showing up when your capacity is already stretched. This podcast speaks to that reality honestly, because building a business around your brain, your values, and your lived experience can be powerful, complicated, messy, and deeply personal. Patrick Casale is a chronically ill, AuDHD, mental health therapist, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, event host, group practice owner, and neurodivergent business owner who has built, grown, burned out, pivoted, and kept going. His work brings together clinical insight, lived experience, business perspective, and real conversation about what it actually takes to create something that feels values aligned. His conversations are direct, compassionate, unfiltered, and practical, with room for both the emotional reality of entrepreneurship and the concrete decisions that shape a sustainable business. New episodes drop every Wednesday and feature honest conversations with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, therapists, business owners, and leaders. Together, Patrick and his guests explore entrepreneurship, identity, mental health, chronic health, creativity, leadership, systems, money mindset, visibility, community, sustainable growth, and the behind-the-scenes reality of creating work that matters. Build your dream business. Protect your capacity. Work with your brain instead of against it.

  1. 2d ago

    ADHD Isn't a Superpower—Or a Life Sentence

    What if the goal isn't to "fix" your ADHD—but to finally stop fighting yourself? In this episode, Patrick Casale sits down with mental health advocate, content creator, and digital strategist Kyrus Keenan Westcott, whose honest, anti-toxic positivity approach has resonated with nearly 3 million followers. Together, they explore the realities of living with ADHD, executive dysfunction, burnout, perfectionism, and the lifelong process of self-acceptance. From navigating corporate life and social media to unpacking internalized ableism and learning to work with your brain instead of against it, this conversation is a grounded reminder that progress isn't about becoming someone else—it's about building a life that fits who you already are. You'll learn: Why self-acceptance—not perfection—is one of the most powerful tools for navigating ADHD and neurodivergent life.How internalized ableism, unrealistic expectations, and toxic productivity can fuel burnout, shame, and self-criticism.What it really takes to create an authentic life and career, including balancing mental health, content creation, and meaningful work without pretending to have it all figured out. More about Kyrus: Kyrus Keenan Westcott, who simply goes by Ky, is a social media content creator, mental health advocate, and digital strategist based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Diagnosed with ADHD (Inattentive Type) at age 34, alongside Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Existential OCD, Ky has dedicated his platform to making conversations about mental health, burnout, and executive dysfunction highly approachable. Known for his realistic, optimistic, and anti-toxic positivity approach, he adds a much-needed sense of levity to mental health content, validating the very real struggles of neurodivergence while encouraging personal accountability. When he is not speaking on stages or building his content empire of nearly 3 million followers, Ky is quietly balancing a second full-time career as a Senior Paid Media Strategist, giving him a deep, personal understanding of corporate burnout and the demands of modern professional life. He lives with his two cats and is a massive fan of theme parks, professional wrestling, and musical theater. Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevibewithkyInstagram: https://instagram.com/thevibewithkyTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thevibewithkyThreads: https://www.threads.net/@thevibewithkyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thevibewithkyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyruskeenanwestcottWebsite: https://thevibewithky.com ––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org 🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify 🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast 🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube 🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault ✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats 🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community 🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape ––––––––––––––––––––– Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!✨ The Receptionist for iPad Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up. Free Gifts for Our Listeners✨ Free Podcasting Workbook Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations. You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain. Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook ✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work. Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur Mentioned in this episode: The Receptionist for iPad  The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

    ADHD Isn't a Superpower—Or a Life Sentence
  2. Aug 12

    The NeuroPreneur Circle: More Than Business, It's Belonging

    Building a successful business isn't just about strategy—it's about finding people who truly understand how your brain works. In this episode, Patrick Casale shares the deeply personal story behind the creation of the NeuroPreneur Circle and why he believes community is one of the most important ingredients for sustainable entrepreneurship. Drawing from his own experiences with autism, ADHD, chronic illness, masking, and searching for belonging, he explains what makes this space different and why connection can be just as transformative as business coaching. Whether you've struggled to find your place, felt misunderstood in traditional entrepreneurial spaces, or simply want to build your business alongside people who "get it," this episode offers a glimpse into the vision behind a community designed by and for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. You'll learn: Why belonging and authentic community are essential for long-term success as a neurodivergent entrepreneur.How masking, chronic overwhelm, and feeling misunderstood can impact both your business and your wellbeing—and what supportive community can change.What makes the NeuroPreneur Circle different, including its focus on practical business support, genuine connection, and neurodiversity-affirming resources without replacing therapy. Learn more about the NeuroPreneur Circle here: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community ––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org 🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify 🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast 🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube 🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault ✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats 🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community 🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape ––––––––––––––––––––– Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!✨ The Receptionist for iPad Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up. Free Gifts for Our Listeners✨ Free Podcasting Workbook Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations. You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain. Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook ✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work. Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur Mentioned in this episode: The Receptionist for iPad  The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

    The NeuroPreneur Circle: More Than Business, It's Belonging
  3. Aug 5

    Success Is Only Half the Story

    In this episode, Patrick Casale and Gabrielle Juliano-Villani pull back the curtain on what entrepreneurship really looks like when you're neurodivergent. From burnout and chronic illness to purpose, friendship, travel, and creating businesses that actually fit your brain, this conversation explores the realities that rarely make it onto social media. They also share why they created the free Diverge Summit—a first-of-its-kind event bringing together more than 20 experts to talk about the intersection of neurodivergence, entrepreneurship, nervous system regulation, chronic health, creativity, and sustainable success. Whether you're autistic, ADHD, living with chronic illness, or simply trying to build a business without losing yourself in the process, this episode is an honest reminder that success doesn't have to come at the expense of your wellbeing. You'll learn: Why traditional definitions of success often lead neurodivergent entrepreneurs to burnout—and how to build a business that actually supports your life.How purpose, community, and authentic relationships can create more sustainable motivation than chasing validation or achievement.What to expect from the free Diverge Summit, featuring 23 conversations on entrepreneurship, chronic illness, nervous system regulation, creativity, and neurodivergent success. Sign up for the free Diverge Summit here: https://www.allthingspractice.com/diverge More about Gabrielle: Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a licensed clinical social worker, consultant, coach, entrepreneur, and educator based in Sarasota, FL. She has been in the mental health field for over a decade specializing in stress, chronic health conditions, and trauma. After realizing her own burnout in 2021, she sold her thriving group practice and made it her mission to educate others on the impact stress has on our everyday lives. Gabrielle pulls from her experience as an EMDR and Polyvagal Informed therapist to utilize mind/body approaches to help others implement everyday strategies to manage stress and live their best lives. Gabrielle is an international speaker, retreat leader, and has been featured in Authority Magazine, The Daily Om, Bustle, and the Everyday Woman TV Network. When she's not working, Gabrielle is teaching Zumba, surfing, or reading a psychological thriller at the beach. Website: https://gabriellejulianovillani.com ––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org 🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify 🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast 🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube 🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault ✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats 🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community 🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape ––––––––––––––––––––– Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!✨ The Receptionist for iPad Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up. Free Gifts for Our Listeners✨ Free Podcasting Workbook Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations. You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain. Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook ✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work. Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur Join the FREE Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Summit Mentioned in this episode: The Receptionist for iPad  The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

    Success Is Only Half the Story
  4. Jul 29

    Why Most Membership Communities Fail (And What Actually Works)

    In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Becky Pierson Davidson, founder of Affinity Collective, about what it really takes to build meaningful, sustainable online communities—including for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Becky shares insights from her journey in product strategy, UX, and community design, plus the hard truths about memberships, monetization, and why passion-driven communities thrive. 3 key takeaways: Community is the long game: Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built on real relationships, consistency, and showing up, not just choosing a platform or chasing quick wins.Engagement beats audience size: It’s not about how many follow you, but about the quality of connection and engagement. Even a community of 2,000 can be incredibly powerful if involved and connected.Start small and experiment: You can begin with conversations, coffee meetups, or even small group coworking—don’t rush into building giant platforms. Let your members’ needs and energy guide the journey. If you’re interested in practical strategies for designing authentic, member-centric communities (and how to avoid common pitfalls), definitely check out Becky and the Affinity Collective. More about Becky: Becky Pierson Davidson is the founder of Affinity Collective — a digital product agency that builds & scales memberships. She brings a background in product strategy, user experience, and community design, with a career that spans building software for Fortune 500 brands like Berkshire Hathaway, RE/MAX, and STARZ, and scaling one of the fastest-growing memberships for women entrepreneurs as Head of Product at bossbabe. Across her work – whether teaching UX and design thinking at General Assembly, volunteering with CreativeMornings, or advising online businesses – community and user experience have always been the throughline. Today, Becky leads her team at Affinity in designing membership-based communities that grow sustainably through better structure, stronger retention, and deeper connection. Her work reframes community not as a “nice-to-have,” but as a product – designed intentionally to create real transformation for members and long-term growth for the business behind it. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckypiersonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildwbeckyWebsite: https://www.affinitycollective.co ––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org 🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify 🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast 🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube 🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault ✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats 🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community 🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape ––––––––––––––––––––– Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!✨ The Receptionist for iPad Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up. Free Gifts for Our Listeners✨ Free Podcasting Workbook Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations. You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain. Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook ✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work. Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur Mentioned in this episode: The Receptionist for iPad  The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

    Why Most Membership Communities Fail (And What Actually Works)
  5. Jul 22

    Why Living in a Bendy Body Changes Everything

    Living and working with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), along with comorbid conditions like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), means navigating a world that isn’t built for bendy bodies. In this episode, Patrick Casale reflects on his journey from college athlete to entrepreneur with mobility aids, and the realization of how much internalized ableism he's had to unpack—and how critical it is to reshape our understanding of disability in business and life. A key theme that emerged is the interconnectedness of neurodivergence, chronic illness, and entrepreneurship. Patrick shares not just the physical challenges, but also the societal barriers and systemic gaps in care that affect so many—often leaving individuals to educate their own providers, advocate for their needs, and fight daily just to function, let alone thrive. 3 key takeaways: Invisible disabilities are real: Many of us lean, brace, or move in ways that are misunderstood as unprofessional or disengaged. In reality, these are survival strategies for managing fatigue, pain, and proprioceptive challenges.Internalized ableism needs deconstruction: Embracing mobility aids and supports can be emotionally difficult, but reframing them as tools for empowerment—not weakness—makes room for resilience and self-compassion.Interconnected care is essential: Traditional healthcare silos rarely see the full picture. We need holistic support that bridges neurodivergence, chronic illness, and business realities. To anyone navigating these parallel roads: you’re not alone, and honoring your body’s needs is not just valid—it’s essential. ––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org 🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify 🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast 🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube 🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault ✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats 🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community 🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape ––––––––––––––––––––– Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!✨ The Receptionist for iPad Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up. Free Gifts for Our Listeners✨ Free Podcasting Workbook Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations. You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain. Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook ✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work. Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur Mentioned in this episode: The Receptionist for iPad  The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

    Why Living in a Bendy Body Changes Everything
  6. Jul 15

    The Medical Gaslighting That’s Keeping People Sick

    In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Alexandra (Alex) Wildeson, online content creator and host of the "Calling in Sick" podcast, about the realities of living with invisible and chronic health conditions, from gaslighting in the medical system to redefining success outside of capitalism's narrow achievement lens. Here are 3 key takeaways: Community is Essential: Connecting with others who understand your experience is a game-changer in battling loneliness and advocating for yourself.Redefine Success and Identity: Chronic illness often forces a personal reckoning with what truly matters. Prioritizing health, authenticity, and relationships can bring unexpected fulfillment, even after loss or drastic change.Be Your Own Advocate: The healthcare system isn’t built for complexity, and preparing for appointments with goals, resources, and support can make a critical difference in outcomes. More about Alex: Alexandra (Alex) Wildeson is a content creator and host of Calling in Sick, a podcast on the Just Media Network that centers honest, nuanced conversations around chronic illness, women’s health, and modern wellness. Drawing from her lived experience navigating multiple autoimmune and chronic conditions — including Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) Vasculitis, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease/Lupus, Endometriosis, Small Fiber Neuropathy, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome — Alex blends storytelling, education, and lifestyle content to build community, challenge misconceptions, and expand how we define health, identity, and productivity. Before pivoting into media and advocacy, Alex built her career in finance and capital allocation, working across investment banking, private equity, and venture capital, including roles at large institutional platforms. She continues this work today as a Venture Partner at HotStart, an early-stage venture fund focused on celebrity-founded brands. Following a major spinal injury in 2023, Alex shifted her focus toward advocacy, content creation, and podcasting. Through Calling in Sick and her broader lifestyle platform, she explores what it means to build a meaningful, sustainable life while living with chronic illness — blending lived experience, practical tools, and healing modalities. She is also currently preparing to launch a digital platform aimed at expanding access to education, tools, and community for chronically ill individuals. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson & https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CallingInSickPodcast ––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org 🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify 🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast 🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube 🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault ✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats 🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community 🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape ––––––––––––––––––––– Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!✨ The Receptionist for iPad Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up. Free Gifts for Our Listeners✨ Free Podcasting Workbook Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations. You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain. Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook ✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work. Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur Mentioned in this episode: The Receptionist for iPad  The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

    The Medical Gaslighting That’s Keeping People Sick
  7. Jul 8

    Stop Calling Autism and ADHD a Trend

    In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Dr. Emma Offord, a UK-based clinical psychologist and founder of Divergent Life, about the landscape of autism and ADHD assessment, both in the U.K. and U.S., and the urgent need to move past deficit-based models to truly affirming, accessible care. 3 Key Takeaways: Systemic barriers to diagnosis are everywhere: Whether it’s a years-long wait for a free assessment in the U.K. or gatekeeping and prohibitive insurance premiums in the U.S., neurodivergent individuals face enormous hurdles in accessing meaningful support. The current system often invalidates lived experience and leaves people without essential accommodations.Language matters—and can harm: The use of terms like “trend” or “epidemic” to describe rising awareness of autism and ADHD is not just inaccurate; it’s deeply invalidating. This deficit-driven, medicalized language reinforces stigma and undermines the legitimacy of neurodivergent identities, contributing to trauma and exclusion.Lived experience is a key form of expertise: Social media and community voices are finally creating space for marginalized, diverse neurodivergent experiences—well beyond the narrow medical model. Supporting individuals to find agency and safety, inside or outside the system, makes a lasting difference. We need voices, courage, and systemic change to build a world where neurodivergence is understood and embraced. More about Emma: Dr. Emma Offord is a U.K.-based clinical psychologist, speaker, and founder of Divergent Life, a neuroaffirming psychology practice working across the U.K. She specialises in autism and ADHD assessments, therapy, and consultation for late-identified adults, children, and families, with a particular focus on high-masking profiles, burnout, and systems-based trauma. Emma’s work moves beyond deficit-based and medicalised models, supporting people to understand their nervous systems, histories, and strengths in context. Her approach integrates neurodivergence-affirming practice, developmental trauma frameworks, and deep respect for lived experience, including her own late-identified neurodivergence and parenting while neurodivergent. She is the host of This Voice Is Mine: The Unquiet Podcast, where she explores identity, voice, safety, and what it means to build lives and practices that genuinely fit. Emma also delivers training and mentorship for psychologists and therapists seeking to build ethical, sustainable, neuroaffirming private practices. You can find her on Instagram at @divergentlives, and learn more about her work, group programmes at www.divergentlife.co.uk Instagram Accounts: @divergentlives and @thiesvoiceisminepodcastWebsite: www.divergentlife.co.uk ––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org 🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify 🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast 🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube 🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault ✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats 🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community 🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape ––––––––––––––––––––– Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!✨ The Receptionist for iPad Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up. Free Gifts for Our Listeners✨ Free Podcasting Workbook Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations. You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain. Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook ✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work. Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur Mentioned in this episode: The Receptionist for iPad  The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

    Stop Calling Autism and ADHD a Trend
  8. Jul 1

    The Burnout Trap Every Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Faces

    Navigating business ownership as a neurodivergent entrepreneur can be both challenging and empowering, offering independence and autonomy in work life while also requiring constant self-assessment of needs and capacity. In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Natalia Rivera, a trauma-informed therapist specializing in high-masking Autistic adults, about how late-in-life neurodivergence discovery impacts entrepreneurship and the importance of honoring authentic capacity. Here are 3 key takeaways: Capacity isn't fixed: Burnout plays a role in how our energy and cognitive capacity change over time, and it's critical to continually assess and honor those limits as we grow professionally.Rest is a critical business strategy: Building in downtime, taking restorative breaks, and pausing to reflect are essential, not only for wellbeing but also to create and produce meaningful work sustainably.Embrace adaptation and outsourcing: Entrepreneurship allows for adaptability. This can look like slowing down, delegating tasks, and shifting business models to align with evolving needs and spiky neurodivergent profiles. More about Natalia: Natalia Rivera is a neurodivergent, trauma-informed therapist and clinical psychology intern who specializes in working with high-masking autistic adults. She is EMDR-trained and passionate about helping clients unlearn survival-based identities and reconnect with their authentic selves. Her doctoral research explores the identity development of high-masking autistic women, and her background as a former English educator informs her love of storytelling, depth, and meaning-making in the therapeutic process. Natalia believes healing is holistic—integrating mind, body, and spirit—and that faith can be a powerful component of psychological growth. She enjoys nature, literature, and time with the people and animals she loves. Instagram: https://instagram.com/awakentherapysfWebsite: https://awakentherapy.org ––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org 🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify 🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast 🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube 🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault ✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats 🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community 🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape ––––––––––––––––––––– Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!✨ The Receptionist for iPad Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up. Free Gifts for Our Listeners✨ Free Podcasting Workbook Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations. You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain. Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook ✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work. Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur Mentioned in this episode: The Receptionist for iPad  The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

    The Burnout Trap Every Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Faces
4.9
out of 5
160 Ratings

About

The Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a podcast for ADHD, Autistic, and all other neurodivergent entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creative work, and lives that actually fit how their brains work. Hosted by Patrick Casale, LCMHC, this show is for people who want to create meaningful work, create outside of the box, grow their impact, and build something sustainable without losing themselves in the process. Being a neurodivergent entrepreneur can feel like holding a lot of contradictions at once. You may have big ideas, deep passion, creative energy, and a strong desire to do things differently. You may also be navigating burnout, masking, self-doubt, perfectionism, rejection sensitivity, executive dysfunction, inconsistent energy, and the pressure to keep showing up when your capacity is already stretched. This podcast speaks to that reality honestly, because building a business around your brain, your values, and your lived experience can be powerful, complicated, messy, and deeply personal. Patrick Casale is a chronically ill, AuDHD, mental health therapist, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, event host, group practice owner, and neurodivergent business owner who has built, grown, burned out, pivoted, and kept going. His work brings together clinical insight, lived experience, business perspective, and real conversation about what it actually takes to create something that feels values aligned. His conversations are direct, compassionate, unfiltered, and practical, with room for both the emotional reality of entrepreneurship and the concrete decisions that shape a sustainable business. New episodes drop every Wednesday and feature honest conversations with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, therapists, business owners, and leaders. Together, Patrick and his guests explore entrepreneurship, identity, mental health, chronic health, creativity, leadership, systems, money mindset, visibility, community, sustainable growth, and the behind-the-scenes reality of creating work that matters. Build your dream business. Protect your capacity. Work with your brain instead of against it.

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