One Piece: Living with a code, fighting for your friends, and special interest [Ft. Micheal Ruffin]

Today, we're excited to have Michael Ruffin 🎉, founder and director of Dueling Minds, and a well-known ADHD coach, join us. We're diving into a fun conversation about autism through the lens of the anime classic One Piece (not the live-action, but the OG anime). Specifically, we’re going to explore three key scenes and unpack what they tell us about autism and neurodivergent experiences.

In the first scene, Michael highlights Luffy’s strong moral code ⚔️. We discuss how many autistic folks, though not all, hold a set of firm values, often seeing things in black and white. Luffy’s pacifism shows how he refuses to fight, even when bullied or laughed at, sticking to his principles. This leads us to talk about the real-life experiences of autistic people who face violence but choose nonviolence, sometimes because they don’t fully recognize the danger they’re in.

Next, we talk about how Luffy fights back only when a friend is hurt, challenging the hierarchy of power. Many autistic folks, like Luffy, don’t always abide by power structures or view them as important. Michael shares his own story about not treating his boss as superior at work, and how that caused friction. Dr. Nas also jumps in, sharing how he treats everyone equally, which sometimes confuses others given his size and presence 💪.

Lastly, we dive into special interests 💡—a big topic in the autism community. Luffy’s love of bugs reminds us of the tranquility many neurodivergent folks find in nature or specific hobbies. We discuss our own special interests and how they provide peace and grounding in a chaotic world 🌱.

Don't forget to check out Michael's nonprofit, Dueling Minds 🧠! It offers amazing support groups, well-being resources, and coaching. Plus, he's an active gamer 🎮 who streams and loves connecting with others. If you're seeking support or just want to chat, be sure to reach out and say hello! 😊

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our goal is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

0:00 Attention

0:54 Sponsorship

1:57 Intro

6:59 Scenes

12:50 Discussion

To find our new guest: Michael Ruffin

https://linktr.ee/ADHDruids

https://www.duelingminds.org/

We'd love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. Find us here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

Don't forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:

Let our sponsor, BetterHelp, connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your home. Visit ⁠https://betterhelp.com/dsp⁠ and enjoy a special discount on your first month.

ONO Roller

https://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng

Bubs Naturals

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20

Two Nerds Candle

https://twonerdscandle.com/DSP

Cat and Raven Designs

https://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcast

Toynk

https://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST

Remember, our podcast isn't therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call an emergency hotline.

I appreciate your interest in our podcast, Different Spectrums. Our mission is to provide engaging and informative content that promotes understanding and normalizes mental health challenges. We are a group of licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who use our unique perspectives and experiences to explore emotions portrayed in movies and shows.

#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness #OnePiece #StrawHatPirates #Luffy #OnePieceNetflix #PirateAdventure #MonkeyDLuffy #OnePieceFans #GrandLineJourney #AnimeToLiveAction #OnePieceWorld #Zoro #ThousandSunny #LiveActionOnePiece #PiratesVsMarines #OnePieceCommunity