The Business Oddcast | for Neurodivergent Business Brains

Stuart Morrison & Hannah Logan
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The Podcast for Neurodivergent Business Owners. Join Hannah and Stu as they focus on issues that matter to neurodivergent business owners.  As two late diagnosed business owners they understand the struggles and have been at it long enough to have a few ideas that might help lift the stress, and avoid the burnout. Again! No 'hustle culture', no corporate nonsense, just honest conversations about running a business with a 'spicy brain', and real-world tested resources that help. You don’t need a diagnosis to listen. Unmask, relax & explore. No small talk… Guaranteed! Hello, welcome to the Business Oddcast!  We’re so excited to share stories, insights, & laughs with you as we celebrate the business brilliance of the ASD, ADHD, AuDHD and neurodivergent community. This is where we unmask, swap real stories, and dive into the gloriously odd side of entrepreneurship without any corporate “small talk” and forced networking smiles, just honest, weird, and wonderfully creative conversations. Sign-up for notifications & join the Odd Squad, and be notified when each new episode drops… because we know your executive function might not remind you! businessoddcast.com

  1. 1d ago

    Tired of Masking? Finding People Who Get You in Business

    Ep40 - Finding People Who Get You in Business When you set out as a solopreneur or small business owner, the freedom can be intoxicating. No boss, no office politics, and nobody telling you how to spend your day. Lovely. But carrying every decision alone, from pricing to difficult clients, can come at a cost. Decision fatigue, isolation, and a potentially one-way ticket to Burnoutville. Because being your own boss doesn't mean you have to do absolutely everything yourself. In this episode, Hannah and Stu explore the messy reality of running a business when your brain works a little differently, and why finding your 'vibe tribe' matters more than collecting 1,000 polite LinkedIn connections.  We talk about building genuine relationships with people who get you, dropping the exhausting professional mask, and finding accountability that supports rather than shames. We also get into body doubling, complementary partnerships, the power of 'yes, and', and why protecting your boundaries sometimes means knowing when to say no or walk away. Ultimately, it's about surrounding yourself with people who respect how you work, challenge your ideas without making you feel like an idiot, and help you build something sustainable without draining every last spoon. Because you don't need to play every instrument in the one-person band. Hand over the triangle, find the people who make work easier, and remember that one genuinely supportive connection can be worth more than a thousand names on LinkedIn. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! -------------------------------------  RESOURCES https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit target - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people. https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to episode 00:01:03 - Topic of the Week: Finding People Who Get You 00:03:55 - We explore why business can be weirdly lonely (for everyone) 00:05:46 - Decision fatigue is easy when it's only you making the decisions 00:07:55 - Contacts vs Connections - who you mix with matters 00:09:07 - How do you find "your people", the people who lift you up? 00:11:00 - Avoiding Judgey McJudgefaces and dropping the mask  00:12:37 - Stu's example of working in an engineering company 00:13:58 - In jokes when you're not 'in' on the joke, a common experience 00:15:00 - Who your people might be and look like... not a definitive guide  00:15:35 - Fascinated by fascinating facts? Shark fact tangent incoming 00:16:44 - Who you mix with matters, finding your tribe 00:19:35 - With great power comes great accountability! 00:20:40 - TRY HARDER. APPLY YOURSELF!  00:21:42 - Accountability can be effective, but can lead to burnout  00:23:46 - The best use of accountability in business, is not what you think 00:26:52 - Body doubling can help... if done right... 00:30:34 - Missed deadlines - avoiding shame spirals and loss of confidence 00:32:58 - Holding people accountable to a better standard than yourself  00:33:44 - How do you go about finding your people?  00:36:16 - Stu's shortcut to making networking work for you...  00:36:49 - ...and what to do when it's not. 00:37:55 - Masking and the result of not being authentically yourself 00:40:00 - The benefits of collaborations and partnering with others 00:43:44 - The importance of challenging each other in a working partnership 00:44:35 - The two most vital words in any collaborative effort  00:46:15 - The two way give and take of a successful partnership   00:48:55 - Hannah's takeaways   00:52:08 - Stu's top tips   00:57:07 - Round up and goodbye - like, share and subscribe 00:59:45 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACTS https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast

  2. Oct 14

    ADHD - It's Not Forgetfulness... It's Cognitive Overload - S01E39

    Ep39 - ADHD - It's Not Forgetfulness... It's Cognitive Overload Ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you're there? Replied to a message in your head but never actually sent it? Or put something somewhere really safe, only for it to vanish into another dimension? Welcome to the wonderful world of ADHD working memory, where your brain has 47 tabs open, three browsers running, and the spinning wheel of doom has become a permanent feature. In this episode, we explore why forgetfulness isn't always what it seems. We get into the difference between working memory and long-term memory, why 'out of sight' so often means 'out of mind', and how cognitive overload can make even the simplest everyday tasks unexpectedly difficult. Along the way, there are forgotten children, mysteriously multiplying possessions, unfinished projects, and some rather questionable household storage systems. We also talk about the frustration and shame that can build up after a lifetime of being told you're careless, disorganised or simply not trying hard enough. But it's not all disappearing car keys and mental chaos. We explore practical ways to take the pressure off our overloaded brains, from external reminders and calendars to finding systems that actually work for us, rather than trying to force ourselves into someone else's idea of organised. Because forgetting something doesn't mean you don't care, and the answer isn't always to try harder. Sometimes it's about recognising how much your brain is already carrying. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to episode - ADHD & Cognitive Overload 00:01:07 - Hannah's topic introduction - ADHD: It's Not Forgetfulness... It's Cognitive Overload 00:02:37 - It’s Not That We Don’t Remember - memory is not one single thing 00:06:35 - Working Memory: The brain's tiny desk & why complex verbal instructions are painful 00:12:15 - Out Of Sight, Out Of Brain - objects, tasks & people vanish if we can't see them 00:15:25 - Piles of doom? Nope, physical reminders of things you need to do 00:19:00 - How many times have you remembered you sent a reply... but didn't... 00:20:43 - Visual reminders help you remember, if you remember what the visual reminder is for! 00:23:26 - The doorway effect - ever walk into a room but can't remember why? 00:24:57 - Side-quests, the tangent's bigger, more interesting sibling 00:26:07 - How do you remember to remember? 00:29:18 - A reminder set to early is just another thing to remember 00:30:16 - Mental clutter of unfinished jobs, open loops and lifestyle "Buckaroo"! 00:35:05 - How many life "tabs" have you got open on a daily basis? Leave a comment. 00:37:05 - The shame, what makes it worse? Owning your mistakes! 00:40:37 - Stop using your brain as storage, how to remember stuff  00:46:57 - Hannah's summary and takeaways 00:50:26 - Stu's top-tips and round-up and rant about "accommodations"   00:57:51 - UK LISTENERS  NOTE: UK GOV "ACCESS TO WORK" PROGRAMME 00:58:50 - Don't forget to Like, Share and Subscribe  00:59:00 - Next weeks blog - The Completely Unreasonable Rules of ADHD Motivation 01:00:16 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- RESOURCES https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work - Through Access to Work, you can apply for: A grant to help pay for practical support with your work, support with managing your mental health at work, money to pay for communication support at job interviews https://businessoddcast.com/the-oddcast-manifesto - Link to the Neuroinclusive Manifesto, Lets build a better, more inclusive society. https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit target - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people. https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodivergent business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/help Contact us: hosts@businessoddcast.com  OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast

  3. Sep 2

    Guest Special - Emma Beattie from Unmasked Studio - S01E38

    Ep38 - Guest Special - Emma Beattie from Unmasked Studio For our very first guest episode, we’re joined by Emma Beattie, founder of Unmasked Studio, to talk about what neuroinclusion can look like when you move beyond awareness and start thinking about how people actually experience work. After almost two decades working in technology, Emma’s ADHD diagnosis gave her a new understanding of how her brain works, as well as some of the challenges and strengths she’d experienced throughout her career. That understanding also helped fuel her passion for neuroinclusion. Alongside her existing role, Emma went on to develop a neurodiversity programme within a global organisation, creating events and opportunities to celebrate neurodivergent colleagues and encourage more open conversations. Now, through Unmasked Studio, she works with neurodivergent people and employers to help make inclusion work in practice. We talk about: Why awareness is only the beginning The difference between performative and genuine inclusion How recruitment could work better for different brains Why small changes in communication can make a big difference Self-advocacy, boundaries and asking for what you need And why finding your people matters Plus, Hannah gets disproportionately annoyed about being asked what chocolate bar she’d be in a job interview. Which, frankly, feels justified. Because genuine inclusion isn’t about ticking the right boxes. It’s about creating environments where different people have the opportunity to do their best work. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:00:15 - Hanna and Stu introduction 00:00:35 - Neuroinclusive Workplace mention 00:01:23 - Emma Beattie introduction 00:02:14 - Emma's employment backstory 00:04:40 - How work started to become harder around 30... 00:05:53 - How did life change after a diagnosis? 00:07:20 - Understanding and advocating for yourself in the workplace 00:08:55 - Background to starting a neuroinclusive program as an employee 00:11:01 - Pitching the idea of the Neurodiversity Awards event at work 00:13:38 - Expectations vs impact of the awards event 00:15:40 - Was there resistance from masked or not widely disclosed NDs? 00:16:40 - What's the purpose of an "awareness day"? So... what's next. 00:18:00 - The workplace assessment and requesting accommodations 00:20:50 - The importance of management "buy-in" and acceptance  00:22:14 - The wider impact of advocating for yourself 00:23:30 - Was there any resistance and how did you overcome it? 00:26:51 - How did these experiences lead to starting the Unmasked Studio?   00:29:07 - Stu's theory on why interviews are not great for NDs 00:29:55 - Exploring how Unmask Studio fills the gap in ND recruitment and workplaces  00:32:25 - Complacency   and ticking boxes - but there's a lot of support available 00:33:20 - Closing the gap - what does genuine inclusion look like in practice? 00:34:24 - Exploring basic rights for interviews, asking for the questions beforehand 00:36:00 - A better approach to the recruitment process for NDs  00:37:12 - Unmasked Studio - what's the future? 00:38:10 - Barriers, broken processes and best way to ask for 'accommodations' 00:40:00 - Surviving the recruitment process and masking your authentic self 00:43:02 - Where does Unmask Studio get started when working in a business? 00:44:09 - The benefits to the business and measuring the costs to the business   00:47:57 - Performative inclusion vs genuine inclusion 00:48:28 - Neuroinclusion is not just for neurodivergent employees 00:49:55 - Emma's vision of the future for employment  00:50:47 - Who Emma/Unmasked Studio  would like to connect with... 00:52:12 - How to contact Emma at UnmaskedStudio.co.uk and Linked In etc. 00:55:48 - The CRUCIAL final piece of advice for NDs from Emma 00:56:24 - Outro and goodbyes 00:57:35 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- Contact Emma Beattie - Unmasked Studio https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmasked-studio-uk-ltd/ - Unmasked Studio Linked In Page https://www.unmaskedstudio.co.uk/ - Unmasked Studio Website More About the NeuroInclusive Workplace https://businessoddcast.com/the-oddcast-manifesto - Link to the Neuroinclusive Manifesto, Lets build a better, more inclusive society. https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people. https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/help Contact us: hosts@businessoddcast.com  OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast

  4. Aug 12

    When Your Special Interest Becomes Your Business - S01E37

    You know that thing you'd do for free, at 2am, for eleven hours straight, without eating? Yeah. What happens when someone pays you for THAT? Welcome back to the Business Oddcast — the podcast for neurodivergent entrepreneurs, hyperfocused founders, and anyone who's ever turned a "weird little hobby" into an actual, functioning business (and then wondered why the joy disappeared). This week, Hannah and Stu are diving headfirst into the obsession-to-income pipeline: the dopamine highs, the hyperfocus spirals, the accidental business empires built out of pure special-interest chaos — and the very real tension of loving something SO much you forget to charge for it properly. We're talking monetising by-products, mastering the firebreak, why "successful" can quietly become "trapped," and — because we never do just one topic — a full-throttle rant about late diagnosis and female healthcare. Plus: Stu's branding meltdown, Hannah's graveyard of past businesses, and why building a business that grows with you is basically a 1970s cartoon. Special interest. Actual income. Zero chill. Let's get into it. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:00:21 - Introducing the NeuroInclusive Workspace - Take the NIq Audit 00:03:40 - Topic of the Week - When Your Special Interest Becomes Your Business 00:03:50 - Topic introduction - What happens when the thing you love, pays the bills. 00:05:38 - Projects, ideas. EVERYWHERE! Hannah lists her earlier businesses 00:07:07 - What's the catalyst for the change?  00:09:30 - The tension - being paid for something you'd do for free and not making (enough) money - LINK TO PREVIOUS EPISODE ON PRICING BELOW 00:13:29 - The Obsession Stage - doing what you LOVE! Stu's branding challenge  00:16:25 - Monetising obsessions - can you "sell" the "by-products"? - LINK TO BLOG ABOUT DOPAMINE BELOW 00:17:53 - Obsessions are a dopamine rich environment - but are important 00:19:21 - Why the obsession stage is important when starting out 00:20:36 - Obsessions build knowledge, which can be sold, but avoid the death of joy 00:21:40 - When passion creates chaos and the repercussions of hyperfocus 00:23:30 - Mastering the obsessive hyperfocus & importance of firebreaks 00:26:08 - Passion projects can boost energy, or at least drain you less quickly 00:26:59 - The three issues that always derail your finely balanced energy needs 00:28:17 - Why loving what you do helps more than "the money's good". 00:31:05 - What happens when all the business stuff steals the joy?  00:33:40 - Why successful small businesses become the perfect jail cell 00:34:40 - Stu - A RANT ABOUT LATE DIAGNOSIS AND FEMALE HEALTHCARE! 00:36:01 - What's the best business move when the passion fades? 00:39:09 - Reap the rewards of idle curiosity  00:42:50 - Why building a business that grows with you is like 1970s cartoon Mr. Ben 00:44:55 - Hannah's tips and takeaways 00:46:45 - Stu's tips and takeaways 00:52:00 - Round up and plug for our NeuroInclusiveWorkplace.com 00:55:55 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- RESOURCES https://businessoddcast.com/podcast/pricing-when-you-dont-trust-your-sense-of-value-s01e32/ - BLOG - Following The Dopamine. https://businessoddcast.com/following-the-dopamine - EP32 - Pricing When You Don’t Trust Your Sense of Value . https://businessoddcast.com/the-oddcast-manifesto - Link to the Neuroinclusive Manifesto, Lets build a better, more inclusive society. https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit target - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people. https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond! https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/help Contact us: hosts@businessoddcast.com  OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast

  5. Jul 29

    Why Some Rooms Make ND Brains Scream - S01E36

    Ep36 - Why Some Rooms Make Neurodivergent Brains Scream Walk into a networking event and feel your nervous system hit the alarm before you've said a word? You're not broken, the room is badly designed. This week we break down why "just show up and mingle" is agony for ND brains: the unwritten social rules nobody explains, the masking that starts before you're even through the door, and the exhausting calculation of tracking what everyone thinks of you. We name the real cost, event tax, energy overdrafts, and call out why "be more resilient" is terrible advice. Then we get practical. Who's in the room changes everything: accepted vs. evaluated, belonging vs. tolerated. We talk escape planning, why no chairs can genuinely ruin your night, why background music sabotages conversations, and we share our "yes, and..." trick for finding your people fast. If you've ever left an event drained and wondering what's wrong with you, this episode is your answer, and your survival kit. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:00:34 - Topic of the Week - Why Some Rooms Make ND Brains Scream  00:00:59 - Topic introduction - Why do some spaces feel hostile and unwelcoming? 00:02:00 - Why are networking rooms so challenging? A room of uncertainty! 00:03:55 - The UNWRITTEN (social) RULES!  00:05:41 - Managing the cognitive load overthinking what people think of you 00:06:18 - The masking starts before you even get in the room, like Pulp Fiction 00:09:03 - How to find the nicest, spiciest people in the room... 00:11:22 - Event tax, energy overdrafts - just be more resilient! 00:13:36 - Who is in the room makes a difference - are you a needy networker? 00:14:40 - Being accepted vs feel evaluated. Who's in the room matters! 00:17:39 - Belonging vs "fitting in" vs being tolerated...  00:20:30 - The weight of perception and being perceived 00:22:00 - The nightmare of overlapping friend's groups 00:25:31 - Seeking safety and Hannah's escape planning 00:27:32 - When you HAVE to do the thing you don't want to do. Some tips. 00:29:51 - Our other podcasts on Business Networking 00:30:12 - The safety of predictability & other networking tips 00:33:21 - Making spaces better, safer and predictable, you know; INCLUSIVE!  00:35:03 - Hannah's story about a chair - RAGE INDUCING! 00:38:21 - The dangers of music in the room... 00:40:07 - When you find the people you click with   00:41:33 - The improv principle of "Yes, and..." 00:44:01 - NDs dance, NTs duel - discuss   00:45:00 - Hannah's  takeaways and insights 00:47:53 - Stu's top tips and thoughts 00:53:37 - Thank you and goodbye 00:55:00 - August's theme - Special Interests and Hyperfocus 00:56:24 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- RESOURCES https://businessoddcast.com/the-oddcast-manifesto - Link to the Neuroinclusive Manifesto, Lets build a better, more inclusive society. https://businessoddcast.com/niq-free-audit target - A Neuroinclusive Workplace self-audit test for employers, teams, and the self-employed. Built on the social model of disability and the idea that barriers are designed in environments, not people. https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond! https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT businessoddcast.com hosts@businessoddcast.com OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast

  6. Jul 8

    Pathological Demand Avoidance - Trait Talking S01E01

    Pathological Demand Avoidance aka PDA - Trait Talking S01E01 In our series for the Neuroinclusive Workplace we are looking at traits, and their impact on the neurodivergent. Today we discuss PDA; what's PDA? Pathological Demand Avoidance... Ever been asked to do something you were literally about to do… and suddenly your brain responds with a very firm "Absolutely not"? Welcome to the wonderfully confusing world of PDA. In this first episode of our new Trait Talking series, we take a closer look at one of the most misunderstood neurodivergent traits. We explore why demands – whether they come from other people or from ourselves – can trigger genuine resistance, why PDA isn't about being difficult or lazy, and why so many of us end up questioning our own reactions. We also talk about the everyday reality of living with PDA: deadlines that somehow make a task harder, the difference between procrastination and demand avoidance, why body doubling doesn't work for everyone, and how a simple change in language can make a surprising difference. Along the way, we share plenty of our own lived experiences (including unopened presents, dishwashers, DIY, hugs, and tax returns) because, as ever, neurodivergence rarely follows a straight line. Whether you identify with PDA yourself, live with someone who does, or simply want to understand why "just do it" is rarely that simple, this episode is a compassionate introduction to a trait that's often hidden behind misunderstanding. Because understanding what's happening inside your brain is often the first step towards being a little kinder to yourself. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:00:50 - Today's Trait - Intro to Pathological Demand Avoidance - PDA  00:02:18 - Description of Pathological Demand Avoidance - PDA  00:04:20 - Hannah's lived experience - the internal PDA pressure  00:06:45 - Gaslighting yourself about your own PDA 00:08:15 - I will open presents in my own time TYVM! 00:10:20 - The "Naughty Child" label 00:12:02 - "I need that for Wednesday at 3pm" - NOPE! Better deadline scheduling 00:15:01 - Why it's not just procrastination 00:16:21 - Can bodydoubling help?    00:17:35 - PDA affects more than just work, even making decisions comes with PDA 00:19:26 - PDA can turn up at the worst possible time too with accomplices 00:23:01 - Managing staff with PDA and the importance of context and "feeling it" 00:25:00 - Why you don't say "We need to leave now" & gaslighting your own PDA 00:26:30 - Round up and outro thank you and goodbye 00:27:15 - Hugging... nope...  00:29:19 - Like, Share and Subscribe 00:29:45 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- RESOURCES https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention.  https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/help Contact us: hosts@businessoddcast.com  OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast

  7. Jun 15

    The No Toolkit - Boundaries for ND Brains - S01E34

    Episode 34: The ‘No’ toolkit- Boundaries for ND brains  For something that's only two letters long, "no" can create a truly astonishing amount of panic. One boundary becomes a guilt spiral, three imagined arguments, and a sudden urge to explain your entire life story to justify why you can't help someone move house on a Tuesday afternoon. In this episode, we unpack why saying no can feel so disproportionately difficult for neurodivergent people. From people-pleasing and rejection sensitivity to masking, perfectionism, and the fear of disappointing others, we explore why so many of us end up saying yes long after we've run out of time, energy, and capacity. We talk about overcommitting, resentment, energy management, and the hidden cost of constantly putting everyone else's needs ahead of our own. We also share practical strategies for creating boundaries that actually stick, including scripts, pause techniques, recognising when resentment is trying to tell you something important, and learning how to say no without writing a 14-page witness statement in your defence. Because boundaries aren't about being difficult. They're about making sure there's still enough of you left for the things that matter. If you've ever agreed to something and immediately regretted it... this one's for you. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:00:46 - Topic of the Week - The No Toolkit - Boundaries for ND Brains 00:01:21 - Topic introduction - No, boundaries and protection   00:03:28 - Why the concept of "no" feels so big & risky    00:05:19 - How burnout affects priorities, no as a survival tactic 00:06:32 - The cost of "no" and creating room for rest and recovery 00:09:10 - What a disproportionate reaction to new boundaries means 00:10:51 - The cost of over-accommodation of others 00:12:43 - The bigger the excuse you give the more they have to work with 00:13:23 - The soft "no" - the calendar check-in before response 00:15:26 - Why saying "yes" is a dopamine trap... 00:17:05 - TANGENT 01 - Stu muses on ND's naive quality that gets taken advantage of 00:18:20 - Boundaries aren't control - it's about protecting our energy 00:19:00 - TANGENT 02 - Hannah shares a real-world example of not saying no 00:20:03 - Do you respect and believe your own "No"?  00:20:50 - Resenting not saying NO!  00:22:13 - Approaches to saying "no"  00:26:40 - Dealing with repeat offenders 00:27:43 - Saying no to yourself is often the hardest boundary to impose 00:31:33 - Energy management lesson learned from running 00:32:02 - Rest Guilt and struggling to switch off and resting being "lazy" 00:35:28 - Why are you full of resentment when you say yes? 00:37:01 - Red flagging unwarranted and disproportionate push back Pt2. 00:37:50 - When "no" can be detrimental, conserve your energy strategically 00:40:22 - You don't owe them your life story to put a boundary in place 00:43:17 - Stuart's business confession about his diary 00:45:07 - The double empathy trap keeping you time-starved and energy poor 00:46:03 - Stu's energy issues with short-notice change 00:47:40 - Is it you or your mask saying "yes"? 00:50:08 - HELL YEAH! or F&CK NO! 00:50:30 - Hannah takeaways and insights 00:54:45 - Stu's top tips and thoughts 00:57:58 - Thank you and goodbye 00:59:47 - LENGTH   ------------------------------------- RESOURCES HTML RESOURCES https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention.  https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/help Contact us: hosts@businessoddcast.com  OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast

  8. Jun 3

    Success Feels Weird When You’re Used to Struggling - S01E33

    DESCRIPTION - FULL Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:00:31 - Topic of the Week - Success Feels Weird When You’re Used to Struggling 00:00:46 - Topic introduction - Exploring challange of success, and feral badgers    00:02:24 - Disclaimer - plan for the best, expect the worse, what happens when plans work ? 00:03:37 - We explore why 'survival mode' feels familiar - the safety of chaos. 00:04:28 - Stuart's brain needs to define "success" - and a note about today's topic 00:06:24 - Hannah's "goals" define her anti-hustle culture "success"  00:08:28 - Example of survival mode being familiar and comfortable 00:10:48 - Overfunctioning becoming our identity & why we feel worthwhile  00:12:28 - Unreasonable self-expectations and over-delivery excuses your Oddness 00:15:59 - Your worth should not be based on your "success" and your wins 00:18:21 - Shouting about your wins can feel un-authentic, and irrelevant because, NEXT! 00:20:45 - Protestant work ethic, work harder, do more, no rest, ever onward! 00:21:55 - The discomfort of receiving - Link to Birthdays EPISODE 00:23:43 - Awkwardly receiving praise, FLIPPIN G THE SCRIPT... 00:24:42 - The struggle to ask for, or accept ANY help.  00:26:52 - Summary of this section ... 00:27:19 - Success level up - new unexpected fears unlocked! 00:30:17 - When is enough enough? WHen do you stop trying to achieve MORE!   00:30:55 - IMPOSTER'S SYNDROME ENTERS THE CHAT - staying grounded helps 00:33:00 - When our business becomes more visible, it raises the emotional stakes  00:35:15 - RSD raises the emotional stakes whe you "go public" with your thoughts 00:37:23 - ND is woven into your energy - is your "success" sustainable long term? 00:41:30 - Are you constantly "almost there"? Is your perfectionism running the show? 00:42:48 - How to overcome perfectionism, Stu's tolerance tool! 00:44:37 - The tyranny of perfectionism and the addic tion of productivity 00:48:07 - Learning to tolerate the calm 00:52:20 - Hannah takeaways and insights - your worth is more than you productivty 00:55:28 - Stu's top tips and thoughts - celebrate wins and use buffer day  s FTW! 00:57:53   - Thank you and goodbye 00:58:50 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- RESOURCES Link to Podcast about surviving celebrations Link to blog post on undervaluing your services Link to the Neuro-inclusive Oddcast Manifesto https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond! https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT Resources: https://businessoddcast.com/help Contact us: hosts@businessoddcast.com  OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast

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The Podcast for Neurodivergent Business Owners. Join Hannah and Stu as they focus on issues that matter to neurodivergent business owners.  As two late diagnosed business owners they understand the struggles and have been at it long enough to have a few ideas that might help lift the stress, and avoid the burnout. Again! No 'hustle culture', no corporate nonsense, just honest conversations about running a business with a 'spicy brain', and real-world tested resources that help. You don’t need a diagnosis to listen. Unmask, relax & explore. No small talk… Guaranteed! Hello, welcome to the Business Oddcast!  We’re so excited to share stories, insights, & laughs with you as we celebrate the business brilliance of the ASD, ADHD, AuDHD and neurodivergent community. This is where we unmask, swap real stories, and dive into the gloriously odd side of entrepreneurship without any corporate “small talk” and forced networking smiles, just honest, weird, and wonderfully creative conversations. Sign-up for notifications & join the Odd Squad, and be notified when each new episode drops… because we know your executive function might not remind you! businessoddcast.com

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