Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate

Amy D. Taylor | Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Semiweekly

Join Amy as she explores mental health, neurodivergence, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, OCD and more. Candid conversations in a safe space for sharing experiences and knowledge from those with lived experience and those who help us.  Sign up for Amy's SKOOL community here: https://www.skool.com/advancing-with-amy-1796/about?ref=0ee80f799c26413c886ef42b85249bf1 Sign up for Amy's newsletter for a free "Who Am I" journal at https://www.advancingwithamy.com/WHO-AM-I-Journal-opt-in  To support the podcast, visit buymeacoffee.com/qdVshe84AK.  Interested in being a guest?  Message me on podmatch.com at: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/advancingwithamy

  1. From Self-Worth To Soulmate: Rewriting Dating After 35

    12/08/2025

    From Self-Worth To Soulmate: Rewriting Dating After 35

    Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Terrain LeBeau to untangle dating after 35, from self-worth and mental health to practical non-negotiables that keep you out of avoidable heartache. The core message is simple and hard: love that lasts starts inside, and preference should never become your prison. • defining success as calm communication and visible partnership • confidence as an internal source, not external status • attachment patterns from childhood shaping adult choices • pre‑bedroom rules and safety as a standard • the fixer identity and why projects drain you • healing after breakups without rebounds • where to meet value‑aligned partners in real life • dating apps, filters, and trade‑offs • aging, identity, and building durable value Find Terraine Lebeau at: https://www.behindtheshades.ca/ mailto:behindtheshadesinterviews@gmail.com Support the show Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here.  Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new WE NEED YOU!  Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here:  https://www.joinpodmatch.com/advancingwithamy

    38 min
  2. How to Raise Resilient Children Who Can Talk About Their Mental Health

    11/11/2025

    How to Raise Resilient Children Who Can Talk About Their Mental Health

    Send us Fan Mail We explore how dropping the “strong” mask, choosing sobriety, and learning the language of play can transform a family during and after separation. Jacintha shares tools for co-regulation, boundaries without shame, and building emotional literacy at home and through her platform, Happy Souls Kids. • why sobriety opened space for healing and presence  • drawing and play as entry points to feelings  • co-regulation before conversation during meltdowns  • holding boundaries while welcoming emotions  • reparenting self to break people-pleasing patterns  • practical scripts and rituals that reconnect parent and child  • asking for help when parents are at capacity  • generational healing with grandparents and extended family  • the Happy Souls Kids app using heroes to teach regulation  • 20-minute focused play as a daily reset Please email: hello@happysoulskids.com to join the beta and help us reach 100,000 kids by 2027 Support the show Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here.  Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new WE NEED YOU!  Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here:  https://www.joinpodmatch.com/advancingwithamy

    39 min
  3. How Shame, Your Inner Narcissist, Messes With Your Mental Health

    10/20/2025

    How Shame, Your Inner Narcissist, Messes With Your Mental Health

    Send us Fan Mail We challenge the belief that shame is useful and take aim at the “inner critic,” reframing it as an inner narcissist that feeds on your energy and keeps you small. We share a clear method to cut its supply, regulate your body, and return to authentic choice. • redefining the inner critic as an inner narcissist • family roles of scapegoat, golden child, and enabler • how shame scales into workplaces and politics • shame versus guilt and why the difference matters • why “healthy shame” is a myth and a control tool • the BREAK method to break the trance and disengage • nervous system anchoring for real-time relief • shifting from hustle and perfectionism to quiet confidence • practical examples and outcomes after releasing shame • resources to go deeper and start today Grab Emma's free guide, five signs you need to break up with your inner narcissist: tinyurl.com/nottodaynarc. Follow Emma on Instagram and Facebook at trauma.matrix, and read her Substack at trauma-matrix.substack.com.  You can also find her at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lyons-traumamatrix/ https://www.youtube.com/@trauma.matrix https://www.tiktok.com/@trauma.matrix Support the show Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here.  Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new WE NEED YOU!  Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here:  https://www.joinpodmatch.com/advancingwithamy

    46 min
  4. It’s Not About the Stuff: A Mental Health Conversation on Hoarding and Healing

    10/06/2025

    It’s Not About the Stuff: A Mental Health Conversation on Hoarding and Healing

    Send us Fan Mail We sit with Melanie Cohen to unpack the human side of hoarding—how trauma and OCD shape clutter, why trust matters more than trash bags, and how tiny goals build real change. We share language for hard family talks, safety-first priorities, and ways to give belongings a second life. • early signs of hoarding masked as productivity and space mismatch • divorce, bankruptcy, and trauma as drivers of escalating clutter • OCD, depression, perfectionism, and executive function hurdles • the failed doctor-room reveal and rebuilding trust over time • mental clutter vs physical clutter and why both matter • “ridiculously simple goals” that create momentum • safety triggers for change and emergency access needs • donate, sell, recycle strategies and second-life framing • talking to a hoarding partner without blame • aging parents, paper mountains, and shred-or-scan decisions • digital hoarding patterns and small, weekly rituals • coaching options via Zoom and sustainable wins Free 30-minute discovery session—find me at thoughtfullycoaching.com Thank you for being here, for listening, and for holding space for conversations just like this. If this episode made you feel seen, understood, or reminded you that you're not the only one walking through hard things, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a review, share it with a friend, or just reach out and let me know you were here. And if you want more support like this, real talk, soulful tools, and reminders that you are not alone, you can join my newsletter at advancingwithany.com Support the show Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here.  Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new WE NEED YOU!  Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here:  https://www.joinpodmatch.com/advancingwithamy

    38 min
  5. Microdosing, Somatics, Feminine Healing & Your Mental Health with Leslie Draffin

    09/22/2025

    Microdosing, Somatics, Feminine Healing & Your Mental Health with Leslie Draffin

    Send us Fan Mail Leslie Draffin shares her expertise as a women's microdosing and somatic guide, helping women tap into body-held trauma through various modalities including psilocybin mushrooms and embodiment practices. • Microdosing psilocybin involves taking tiny amounts that don't cause intoxication but improve mood and brain function • Psilocybin calms the default mode network where deeply ingrained habits live, allowing better pattern recognition • Unlike pharmaceuticals, microdosing is used for a season rather than long-term, without addiction potential • The womb holds trauma for many women, serving as an "energetic junk drawer" for unprocessed experiences • The SHIFT method (Sensation, Honor, Inhale/exhale, Flow, Take stock) helps regulate emotions in just 9 minutes • Somatic healing means decoding body sensations to understand what emotions are trying to communicate • Women can work with cyclical awareness even after menopause by aligning with moon phases • Sexual healing often requires addressing underlying blocks to receiving pleasure, safety and vulnerability • Psychedelic work can be particularly helpful for treatment-resistant depression • Those with conditions like bipolar disorder should only explore psilocybin with professional guidance Grab Leslie's free guides for microdosing and the SHIFT method by visiting lesliedraffin.com or finding her on Instagram and TikTok. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliedraffin/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewombmystic Website: https://www.lesliedraffin.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-light-within/id1554915881 Free Microdosing Guide: https://lesliedraffin.myflodesk.com/microguide Free Somatic Healing Guide: https://lesliedraffin.myflodesk.com/shift Support the show Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here.  Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new WE NEED YOU!  Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here:  https://www.joinpodmatch.com/advancingwithamy

    38 min
  6. Healing Your Inner Child: Insights from Anat Peri on Emotional & Mental Health

    09/08/2025

    Healing Your Inner Child: Insights from Anat Peri on Emotional & Mental Health

    Send us Fan Mail Discover how inner child work and emotional healing can empower your journey.' Anat Pari, an inner child expert with over a decade of experience, shares her powerful methodology for helping people break free from survival mode and become empowered creators in their own lives. • The distinction between traditional mindset work that "trims weeds" versus deep healing that addresses root causes • How childhood experiences shape our adult patterns even without major trauma • The five stages of healing: awareness, acceptance, getting to the root, reparenting, and integration • Learning to work with your nervous system to cultivate safety instead of constant protection • Using the "90-second rule" to fully express emotions and allow your nervous system to metabolize them • Why integration takes an average of 18 months for significant life changes • Understanding your "bodyguards" – the protective mechanisms that take over when you don't feel safe • Developing emotional resilience by learning to ride the waves in the ocean of your emotions The greatest gift you can give yourself is to embark on the deep healing journey. With today's resources and knowledge, we have everything we need to transform our lives and end generational trauma. As Anat says, "The only way to feel better is to get better at feeling." Check Anat Peri out at: https://trainingcampforthesoul.com/ Support the show Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here.  Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new WE NEED YOU!  Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here:  https://www.joinpodmatch.com/advancingwithamy

    49 min
  7. Navigating the Sandwich Generation Mental Health Challenges with Mary Ann Hughes

    08/25/2025

    Navigating the Sandwich Generation Mental Health Challenges with Mary Ann Hughes

    Send us Fan Mail Learn how to maintain mental health while balancing care for neurodiverse children and elderly parents.'Mary Ann Hughes shares her experience as part of the sandwich generation, balancing care for her two adult sons with autism while supporting her elderly mother after a health crisis. She brings wisdom, compassion, and practical strategies for maintaining boundaries and finding yourself amid overwhelming caregiving responsibilities. • Navigating the simultaneous care of aging parents and neurodiverse adult children • Finding appropriate support systems when crises emerge • Building a business to help families navigate special needs and divorce • Managing the grief process while adapting to changing family dynamics • Creating boundaries to maintain mental health and personal identity • Becoming more compassionate and open through caregiving challenges • Understanding that some days are neat "finger sandwiches" while others are messy "club sandwiches" • Learning when and how to ask for help If you're interested in connecting with Mary Ann Hughes, visit her website at www.specialfamilytransitions.com or find her on social media under Special Family Transitions. All her other sites are here: Special Family Transitions Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions Special Family Transitions on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/ Special Family Transitions YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@specialfamilytransitions TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@SpecialFamilyTransitions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-hughes-special-family-transitions/ Personal Facebook profile: https://bit.ly/MaryAnnPanoHughes Private Facebook group: bit.ly/specialneedsdivorcesupport RISE Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/SpNeedsDivorce Support the show Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here.  Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new WE NEED YOU!  Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here:  https://www.joinpodmatch.com/advancingwithamy

    31 min
  8. Merging Woo and Mental Health Insights with Michele Lefler

    08/11/2025

    Merging Woo and Mental Health Insights with Michele Lefler

    Send us Fan Mail Explore how shadow work and psychology converge to elevate our mental health. Michele Lefler joins us to explore shadow work, revealing how this misunderstood practice combines psychology with spiritual elements to help us embrace all parts of ourselves. • Shadow work addresses aspects of our personality society conditions us to suppress or hide • Michele describes her approach as "spicy psychology" – blending traditional psychology with spiritual elements • Emotions like anger aren't negative – they're signals that boundaries are being crossed • Repressing parts of ourselves creates anxiety, depression, and disconnection from our authentic selves • The things that irritate us about others often reflect unacknowledged aspects of ourselves • Simple practices like journaling, voice recording, or oracle cards can be entry points to shadow work • Shamanic healing and soul retrieval can help recover aspects of ourselves we've disconnected from • Reconnecting with nature helps us become more attuned to our own bodies and minds • Toxic positivity prevents us from processing difficult emotions authentically • Balance is key – "You can't have all light, you can't have all dark. You need to be a panda" For Michele's free "Breaking Up With Toxic Positivity" email series check it out here. To learn more about shadow work, shamanism and much more, visit michelelefler.com or email michele@michelelefler.com. Support the show Join a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here.  Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.com Sign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletter Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/new WE NEED YOU!  Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here:  https://www.joinpodmatch.com/advancingwithamy

    41 min
See All (74)

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Join Amy as she explores mental health, neurodivergence, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, OCD and more. Candid conversations in a safe space for sharing experiences and knowledge from those with lived experience and those who help us.  Sign up for Amy's SKOOL community here: https://www.skool.com/advancing-with-amy-1796/about?ref=0ee80f799c26413c886ef42b85249bf1 Sign up for Amy's newsletter for a free "Who Am I" journal at https://www.advancingwithamy.com/WHO-AM-I-Journal-opt-in  To support the podcast, visit buymeacoffee.com/qdVshe84AK.  Interested in being a guest?  Message me on podmatch.com at: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/advancingwithamy

Information

  • Creator
    Amy D. Taylor | Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate
  • Show Website
    Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate