NeuroSpice and Life

neurospice and life

For anyone who’s ever felt the sting of an unfair label — lazy, blunt, weird, difficult — this one’s for you. We’re Freya and Hanna — one counsellor, one sexologist, both AuADHD women with delightfully spicy brains. Together, we peel back the labels, examine the stereotypes and rewrite the stories about what it means to be neurodivergent, emotional, and unapologetically human. From masking and meltdowns to relationships, shame, and self-acceptance, we talk about the messy, marvellous reality of neurospicy life — with humour, heart, and the occasional swear. Because there’s nothing wrong with the way you’re wired — it’s time to reclaim your label and wear it with pride. 

  1. HÁ 1 DIA

    Stupid Reframing - School Got Smart Wrong; Understanding Neurodivergent Intelligence

    What if the problem was never your intelligence — but a system designed to measure everyone by the same standard that was never built to support neurodivergent people? In this empowering follow-up episode, hosts Freya Corboy (alexithymic counsellor) and Hanna Hosking (sexologist) continue the conversation from Episode 11, diving deeper into how education systems got intelligence completely wrong — and how neurodivergent people can reclaim their unique "pattern of brilliance." Building on the Starry Profiles from "Stupid Reflections," Freya and Hanna explore how each person has their own constellation of strengths, skills, and ways of being smart — and why comparing yourself to others (or to neurotypical standards) is a guaranteed path to feeling "less than." This episode tackles the crushing weight of adult learning when you're constantly measuring yourself against others, the unrealistic expectations of perfectionism, and why "comparison is the thief of joy" hits differently for ADHD and autistic adults who've spent their whole lives being judged by metrics that were never designed for them. You can't judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree — so why do we keep judging neurodivergent intelligence by neurotypical standards? Freya and Hanna unpack the origins and evolution of school systems, how education became a competition rather than a space for exploration, and why we're asked "what do you want to be when you grow up?" before we've even had a chance to discover who we are. They also reframe "stupid" reclaiming it as playful, silly, and unapologetically free from other people's judgments. This episode is full of compassion, practical tools, and permission to stop measuring yourself against impossible standards. What you'll hear: ✨ Your unique "Starry Profile" — discovering your personal pattern of brilliance ✨ Why adult learning feels so hard when comparison and perfectionism take over ✨ "Comparison is the thief of joy" and what that means for neurodivergent people ✨ How school systems evolved into competition machines instead of learning spaces ✨ Why "What do you want to be when you grow up?" is an impossible question ✨ Limited exposure to possibilities and how environment shapes our sense of potential ✨ How being called "stupid" shows up in adult relationships and self-worth This episode is for you if: You struggle with perfectionism or comparing yourself to others Adult learning feels overwhelming because you measure yourself against impossible standards You're late-diagnosed ADHD, autistic, or AuDHD and reframing childhood "stupid" labels You want to explore your unique pattern of brilliance (your Starry Profile) You're healing from educational trauma and reclaiming your intelligence You're a neurodivergent parent navigating school systems with your kids You're tired of feeling "less than" and ready for self-compassion You want practical tools to celebrate your strengths instead of fixating on perceived weaknesses Key topics: Neurodivergent intelligence | ADHD strengths | Autistic brilliance| Comparison| Perfectionism | Educational trauma | Adult learning | Self-compassion | Late diagnosis |  Hosts: 🧠 Freya Corboy – Mumshine | mumshine.com.au 💜 Hanna Hosking – The Sensologist | thesensologist.com.au More NeuroSpice & Life: 🌐 neurospiceandlife.com.au 📺 YouTube: @NeuroSpiceandLife Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or mental-health advice and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, therapy, or care. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized support.

    51min
  2. 16 DE FEV.

    Stupid - Reflections

    Stupid Reflections - Reclaiming Intelligence Beyond Traditional Systems Ever been called "stupid" when you were actually brilliant — just in ways the system refused to recognize? In this raw and validating episode, hosts Freya Corboy (alexithymic counsellor) and Hanna Hosking (sexologist) share their personal experiences of growing up labeled as "not smart enough" — when the truth was, their ADHD and autistic brains were wired for creativity, exploration, and divergent thinking that traditional education systems completely missed. If you've ever felt like you didn't measure up academically, were told you "weren't reaching your potential," or internalized the belief that you were less intelligent because you didn't fit the mold — this episode is for you. Freya and Hanna unpack how schools reward narrow definitions of intelligence (academics and sports) while dismissing the very real gifts of neurodivergent minds: pattern recognition, creative problem-solving, curiosity-driven learning, and thinking outside the box. They explore the lasting impact of being misunderstood, the shame that comes from years of trying to prove yourself, and how late diagnosis finally reframes those experiences — not as your failure, but as the system's failure to see you. This conversation is honest, emotional, and deeply relatable for anyone who's ever questioned their intelligence because they learned differently. What you'll hear: ✨ Personal stories of being labeled "stupid" as undiagnosed neurodivergent kids ✨ How traditional education fails ADHD and autistic learners ✨ The many types of intelligence schools don't measure (creative, emotional, kinesthetic, spatial) ✨ Why neurodivergent people often excel at non-linear, exploratory thinking ✨ Unpacking internalized shame from years of academic struggle ✨ How late ADHD and autism diagnosis helps you reclaim your narrative ✨ Educational trauma and its impact on self-worth and identity ✨ Celebrating neurodivergent strengths: hyperfocus, curiosity, pattern-spotting, and more ✨ Reframing "stupid" as a trauma label, not a truth This episode is for you if: You were told you were "lazy," "not trying hard enough," or "not living up to your potential" You struggled in school but thrived when learning in your own way You're late-diagnosed ADHD, autistic, or AuDHD and re-examining childhood experiences You're healing from educational trauma or intelligence-based shame You're a parent of a neurodivergent child navigating school systems You've ever felt "not smart enough" despite being deeply creative, curious, or insightful Key topics: Neurodivergent intelligence | ADHD learning styles | Autistic strengths | Late diagnosis | Educational trauma | Twice-exceptional | Giftedness | Academic pressure | Undiagnosed ADHD | Undiagnosed autism | Intelligence types | Divergent thinking | Creativity | Self-worth | Reclaiming identity | Neurodiversity-affirming | High-masking ADHD | Internalized shame | School trauma | Neurodivergent women | ADHD women | Autistic adults Hosts: 🧠 Freya Corboy – Neurodivergent Counsellor for Mums | mumshine.com.au 💜 Hanna Hosking – The Sensologist | thesensologist.com.au More NeuroSpice & Life: 🌐 neurospiceandlife.com.au 📺 YouTube: @NeuroSpiceandLife Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or mental-health advice and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, therapy, or care. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized support.

    45min
  3. 9 DE FEV.

    Blunt — Reframing “No Filter” as a Feature Not a Flaw

    In this episode of NeuroSpice & Life, late-diagnosed neurodivergent hosts Freya Corboy and Hanna Hosking move from reflection into reframing, exploring how autistic and ADHD people can reclaim bluntness as clarity rather than rudeness. This episode blends practical tools, reframes, and humour, offering an empowering and light-hearted conversation alongside discussions of masking, people-pleasing, and communication boundaries. Freya and Hanna discuss modern communication styles — including texting, voice notes, gifs, and video — and how neurodivergent people can advocate for their preferred ways of communicating in relationships, therapy, and everyday life. They explore why “honesty is the best policy” often works for neurotypical people with an unspoken social rulebook, but can backfire for neurodivergent people who are labelled “brutally” or “ruthlessly” honest for communicating directly. The episode also challenges the belief that we’re responsible for managing other people’s emotional reactions. You can communicate clearly, respectfully, and honestly without taking responsibility for how someone else chooses to interpret your words. Practical tools are shared for giving feedback, reducing unnecessary softening, and removing reflexive apologies such as “just” or apologising for things that aren’t your fault. Together, Freya and Hanna explore what it means to reclaim bluntness after years of masking, over-explaining, and self-silencing. Topics include: Neurodivergent communication, ADHD, autism, bluntness, honesty, masking, people-pleasing, communication boundaries, feedback tools, self-advocacy, emotional labour. Connect with NeuroSpice & Life: Website: neurospiceandlife.com.au YouTube: @NeuroSpiceandLife Freya (Mumshine): mumshine.com.au Hanna (The Sensologist): thesensologist.com.au Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or mental-health advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, therapy, or professional care. Please seek support from a qualified healthcare or mental-health professional if needed.

    42min
  4. 2 DE FEV.

    Blunt - Reflecting

    In this episode of NeuroSpice & Life, late-diagnosed neurodivergent hosts Freya Corboy and Hanna Hosking explore what it really means to be labelled “blunt” — and why honesty, direct communication, and social rules can be so confusing for ADHD, autistic, and AuADHD people. This episode balances deep reflection with humour and laughter, making it one of our more comedic, light-hearted conversations, even while discussing anxiety, masking, and people-pleasing. Freya reflects on how being called blunt is often interpreted as rude or “too honest,” while Hanna shares how honesty in childhood led to chronic people-pleasing and softening her language to feel safe. Together, they unpack neurodivergent communication styles, and ways to process people’s actions when they don’t always say what they mean, and the concept of prosocial lying — and why it can be deeply dysregulating for neurodivergent minds. The episode also explores anxiety, reassurance-seeking, and trust in language, especially when words don’t match tone or intent, and the role of the prefrontal cortex and amygdala in why neurodivergent people get called “blunt” along with the mental effort it takes for people with ADHD to regulate impulsivity and filter speech in order not to be perceived as blunt. This conversation challenges the idea that directness is a flaw and highlights the emotional cost of masking, self-monitoring, and prioritising politeness over clarity. Topics include: Neurodivergent communication, ADHD, autism, bluntness, honesty, masking, people-pleasing, prosocial lying, anxiety, emotional regulation, impulsivity, nervous system awareness. Warning: This episode includes swearing. Connect with NeuroSpice & Life: neurospiceandlife.com.au YouTube: @NeuroSpiceandLife Freya (Mumshine): mumshine.com.au Hanna (The Sensologist): thesensologist.com.au Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or mental-health advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, therapy, or professional care. Please seek support from a qualified healthcare or mental-health professional if needed.

    47min
  5. 26 DE JAN.

    Sensitive - Reframing

    In this episode of NeuroSpice & Life, late-diagnosed neurodivergent hosts Freya Corboy (alexithymic counsellor) and Hanna Hosking (sexologist) explore sensitivity through a neurodivergent, ADHD-informed lens. We discuss how humans are not innately taught emotional regulation — and how suppressing emotional and sensory needs can create anxiety, burnout, and cumulative emotional and physical strain, particularly for neurodivergent people. This episode offers an authentic example of two ADHDers communicating through shared ideas. The conversation is non-linear, reflective, and associative — a communication style common in ADHD — where ideas circle, connect, and ultimately return to insight and meaning. Freya reflects on sensory sensitivity, including food, clothing, and environmental needs, and how attuning to her body and nervous system has supported emotional regulation and reduced overwhelm. Hanna shares her experiences of emotional sensitivity, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), and relational patterns, highlighting how minimising emotional needs for others can take a significant toll over time. Together, we reframe sensitivity as information rather than weakness, and explore why honouring neurodivergent sensory and emotional needs is essential for mental health, self-trust, and long-term wellbeing. This episode invites listeners to move away from “Why am I so sensitive?” and toward a more compassionate and empowering question: “What is my sensitivity trying to tell me?” In this episode, we explore: • Neurodivergent emotional and sensory sensitivity • ADHD communication styles and non-linear thinking • Nervous system regulation and emotional awareness • Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) • Emotional regulation and unmet needs • Anxiety, burnout, and chronic overwhelm • Boundaries, self-advocacy, and self-trust Key concepts & searchable topics: Neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, AuDHD, emotional sensitivity, sensory processing differences, nervous system awareness, RSD, emotional regulation skills, neurodivergent burnout, high masking, late diagnosis, trauma-informed care, mental health and wellbeing. Who this episode is for: Neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autistic, AuDHD), highly sensitive people, late-identified or high-masking individuals, and anyone learning to honour emotional and sensory needs without minimising themselves for others. Website: neurospiceandlife.com.au YouTube: @NeuroSpiceandLife Freya (Mumshine): mumshine.com.au Hanna (The Sensologist): thesensologist.com.au Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or mental-health advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

    46min
  6. 19 DE JAN.

    Sensitive - Reflecting

    ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, abusive relationships, emotional abuse, and relational trauma. Please listen with care and prioritise your safety and wellbeing. What if being sensitive isn’t a weakness — but a form of intelligence? In this reflective episode of NeuroSpice & Life, late-diagnosed neurodivergent hosts Freya Corboy (alexithymic counsellor) and Hanna Hosking (sexologist) explore sensitivity through a neurodivergent and trauma-informed lens. Freya reflects on her sensory sensitivity — including food, clothing, and environmental needs — and how learning to honour her nervous system has reduced anxiety and overwhelm. Hanna shares her experience of emotional sensitivity, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), and her history with limerence, rejection, and abusive relationship dynamics. Together, this episode reframes sensitivity as a source of resilience, emotional insight, boundaries, and healing, especially for autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, and highly sensitive people who have been taught to mask, minimise, or disconnect from their needs. Rather than hardening or “toughening up,” we explore how tuning into emotions and bodily signals builds strength, self-trust, and nervous-system safety. In this episode, we discuss: • Neurodivergent sensory sensitivity and regulation • Emotional sensitivity and RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) • Limerence, attachment, and rejection wounds • Domestic violence and emotionally abusive relationships • Anxiety, vulnerability, and resilience • Why sensitivity is not weakness • Learning to listen to your nervous system Who this episode is for: Neurodivergent adults (autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, OCD), highly sensitive people, late-identified or high-masking individuals, trauma survivors, and anyone learning to honour their emotions without shame. Key themes: Neurodivergence • Sensory processing • Emotional regulation • RSD • Limerence • Trauma-informed healing • Vulnerability • Resilience Connect with NeuroSpice & Life: Website: neurospiceandlife.com.au YouTube: @NeuroSpiceandLife Freya (Mumshine): mumshine.com.au Hanna (The Sensologist): thesensologist.com.au Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or mental-health advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, therapy, or professional care.

    46min
  7. 12 DE JAN.

    Weird - Reframing

    Is your “weird” something you tried to hide, or still do? What if it’s actually something to honour? In this reflective episode of NeuroSpice & Life, late-diagnosed neurodivergent hosts Freya Corboy (alexithymic counsellor) and Hanna Hosking (sexologist) revisit the theme of weird and reframe it as something meaningful, connective, and powerful. This episode explores why weird is wonderful, why normal is a myth, and how embracing neurodivergent difference creates space for authenticity, inclusion, and belonging. We reflect on how growing visibility of neurodivergent people in the celebrity and public sphere helps normalise diversity — not by flattening difference, but by showing that there has never been just one way to be human. For autistic, ADHD, OCD, and AuDHD people, being labelled “weird” often meant masking, shrinking, or self-abandonment to survive social systems not built for neurodivergent nervous systems. In this episode, we invite a different approach: radical self-expression, radical self-acceptance, and curiosity instead of judgment. We unpack why no two people experience the world the same way, why conformity harms both individuals and communities, and why you don’t need to yuck someone else’s yum. Normal isn’t real — it’s a spectrum. In this episode, we discuss: • Reframing weird as difference, not defect or deficit • Neurodivergence and identity beyond masking • Why “normal” doesn’t exist • Celebrity visibility and cultural normalisation of diversity • Radical self-expression and self-acceptance • Letting others exist without judgment Who this episode is for: Neurodivergent adults (autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, OCD), late-identified or high-masking individuals, creatives, advocates, parents, and anyone exploring identity, authenticity, belonging, and inclusion. Connect with NeuroSpice & Life: Website: neurospiceandlife.com.au YouTube: @NeuroSpiceandLife Freya (Mumshine): mumshine.com.au Hanna (The Sensologist): thesensologist.com.au Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical, psychological, or mental-health care. Please seek support from a qualified professional if needed.

    45min
  8. 5 DE JAN.

    Weird - Reflecting

    What does it really mean to be called “weird” — and why are neurodivergent people so often given that label? In this episode of NeuroSpice & Life, neurodivergent hosts Freya Corboy (alexithymic counsellor) and Hanna Hosking (sexologist) reflect on the lived experience of being labelled weird as autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD people — and how that label has shown up as ostracisation, isolation, loneliness, and being treated as other. For many neurodivergent children and adults, being “weird” isn’t just a word — it’s a social experience shaped by exclusion, misunderstanding, and pressure to mask, camouflage, and chameleon in order to survive. This episode explores how long-term neurodivergent masking and self-abandonment can erode self-trust, create identity confusion, and leave people disconnected from who they really are later in life. We also unpack confirmation bias and social psychology, examining how humans naturally gravitate toward people who think, communicate, and behave like themselves — and how this unconscious pattern reinforces exclusion in families, friendships, workplaces, and communities. We discuss why intentional inclusion of difference is essential for creativity, innovation, safety, and genuine belonging. This episode is a compassionate, grounded reflection on reclaiming “weird” — not by bypassing the pain, but by recognising difference as a source of insight, connection, and collective growth. In this episode, we discuss: • What “weird” means in autistic, ADHD & neurodivergent lives • Ostracisation, isolation, loneliness & being labelled as other • Neurodivergent masking, camouflaging & people-pleasing as survival • Identity loss, self-trust, and late-identified neurodivergence • Confirmation bias, inclusion, and social psychology • Why difference drives innovation, creativity & change Who this episode is for: Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, and neurodivergent adults — especially those who are late-identified, highly masked, or struggling with belonging and identity. This episode is also for parents, partners, educators, and professionals seeking to better understand neurodivergent experiences and inclusive practice. About NeuroSpice & Life: NeuroSpice & Life is a neurodivergent-led podcast exploring autism, ADHD, AuDHD, nervous system regulation, identity, relationships, burnout, and neurodiversity-affirming living — without shame, pathologising, or toxic positivity. Connect with us: Website: neurospiceandlife.com.au YouTube: @NeuroSpiceandLife Freya (Mumshine): mumshine.com.au Hanna (The Sensologist): thesensologist.com.au Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or mental-health advice. It does not replace diagnosis, therapy, or professional support. Please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare or mental-health professional.

    41min

Sobre

For anyone who’s ever felt the sting of an unfair label — lazy, blunt, weird, difficult — this one’s for you. We’re Freya and Hanna — one counsellor, one sexologist, both AuADHD women with delightfully spicy brains. Together, we peel back the labels, examine the stereotypes and rewrite the stories about what it means to be neurodivergent, emotional, and unapologetically human. From masking and meltdowns to relationships, shame, and self-acceptance, we talk about the messy, marvellous reality of neurospicy life — with humour, heart, and the occasional swear. Because there’s nothing wrong with the way you’re wired — it’s time to reclaim your label and wear it with pride.