Join host Eric Tivers and three incredible panelists—Nathan James, Meg Zirger, and Christal Wang—for the second-annual Neurodivergent Queer Pride panel, organized by Shimmer. In this landmark conversation, we explore:

• Masking vs. Unmasking: Why hiding feels safe and how reclaiming your authentic self fuels resilience.

• Intersectional Identities: How ADHD, autism, and LGBTQ+ pride intersect—and why that intersection is a source of strength.

• Political Climate & Pride: Strategies for holding onto joy and courage when the world feels heavy.

• Power of Community: From isolation to solidarity—why peer support is essential for lasting change.

Whether you’re neurodivergent, queer, an ally, or simply curious, this panel offers actionable insights, heartfelt stories, and affirmations to help you thrive.

1. Masking Is Exhausting

   • Childhood “survival mode” often becomes adult burnout.

   • Unmasking is an ongoing, courageous process of self-discovery.

2. ADHD + Queer = Unique Superpower

   • Both identities challenge “scripts” society hands us.

   • Embracing difference unlocks creativity, empathy, and authenticity.

3. Pride Under Pressure

   • Celebrate safely: balance vigilance with joy.

   • Collective conversation and advocacy build courage.

4. Community as Catalyst

   • Small cohorts and online groups reduce shame and spark accountability.

   • Shared experiences create “me-too” moments that heal and empower.

• 00:00 Welcome & Episode Intro

• 01:04 What Is Neurodivergent Queer Pride?

• 03:07 Panelist Introductions & Backgrounds

• 09:30 Personal Identity Journeys: “Scripts” & Masking

• 17:36 Societal Expectations: Fitting In vs. Standing Out

• 29:18 Deep Dive on Masking & Self-Acceptance

• 38:59 Holding Pride in a Difficult Political Climate

• 48:12 The Role of Community in Connection & Healing

• 54:48 Final Affirmations & Advice

• 57:41 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

• Join ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups (Season 41)
  ▸ Live kickoff: Wed, June 18 • 2 PM CT
  ▸ Pre-registration due: Tue, June 17 • 2 PM CT
  ▸ 👉 https://www.coachingrewired.com

• Shimmer (Episode organizer; online ADHD coaching platform)
  ▸ Co-founder & panel host: Christal Wang
  👉 https://www.shimmerplatform.com

• Adult Study Hall (24/7 ADHD-friendly coworking)
  👉 https://www.adultstudyhall.com

1. Subscribe to ADHD reWired so you never miss an episode.

2. Share this episode with friends who identify as neurodivergent, queer, or allies.

3. Explore our summer Coaching & Accountability Groups to turn these insights into real-world growth.

Your whole self belongs. Let’s celebrate, connect, and thrive—together.

Summer coaching groups start on July 24th. LIstners can save $200 by signing up at the registration kickoff event on June 18th. Learn more and get on the interest list at www.coachingrewired.com

Eric shares updates about prioritizing sustainable energy practices and coping with recent family challenges, including the passing of his grandmother and his father's health issues.

The main segment features Dr. Shannon Palma, founder and CEO of ITI Assistive Technologies, discussing her late autism and ADHD diagnoses. She shares insights into her decades-long journey with executive function challenges, her comprehensive self-diagnosis process, and the development of support tools for neurodivergent adults.

Shannon and Eric delve deeply into the nuances of autistic and ADHD burnout, the differences between autistic burnout and occupational burnout, and the challenges of masking and managing sensory sensitivities. The episode also reveals the host's own recent autism diagnosis, providing a reflective and personal perspective on understanding neurodivergence.

The episode wraps up with contact information and a teaser for a follow-up episode focusing more on Shannon's work and the host's continued exploration of his diagnosis.

https://itiassist.com

https://autisticselfreliance.org/

00:00 Introduction and Announcements

02:30 Eric’s Personal Updates and Challenges

05:12 Guest Introduction: Dr. Shannon Palma

06:32 Shannon's Diagnosis Journey

09:42 Sensory Sensitivities and Family Traits

16:56 Burnout and Neurodivergence

ADS
26:56 Support and Community

28:36 Join Coaching Rewired This Summer

28:42 Introducing Adult Study Hall

30:54 Exploring Autism and ADHD

34:12 Self-Diagnosis and Professional Insights

35:29 Navigating Social Cues and Sensory Sensitivities

40:35 Understanding Neural Processing

46:56 Social Interactions and Coping Strategies

53:37 Wrapping Up and Contact Information

What happens when two ADHDers realize there's more to the story?

In this deeply personal and exploratory episode, Eric is joined by his friend and fellow coach, Portia Jackson Preston, for an honest, vulnerable, and unmasked conversation about discovering—later in life—that they’re not just ADHD… they're also autistic.

April is Autism Acceptance Month and there’s no better time to peel back the layers. Eric and Portia share their parallel journeys of exploring what it means to be AuDHD, how autism was hiding in plain sight for both of them, and how late diagnosis is reshaping their self-understanding, their relationships, their parenting, and their work.

Together, they unpack:

• What unmasking looks like—and feels like—especially when it's not a conscious choice

• Why self-diagnosis is valid and often necessary

• How intersecting identities impact recognition and diagnosis

• The grief and growth that come with seeing your past through a new lens

• Why autistic burnout hit both of them so hard (and what they’re doing now to recover)

• And how this shift is impacting their businesses, boundaries, and sense of self

You’ll also hear about how EMDR therapy played a pivotal role in both of their journeys, how the Johari Window concept reframed Eric’s understanding of his blind spots, and how reconnecting with their full, authentic selves has allowed for deeper joy—even in the weirdest places (like dancing at a Phish show with hand flaps in full glory).

This is the kind of conversation that gives others permission to explore, to question, and to be.

👉 Related links & resources:

• Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price

• Unmasking for Life by Dr. Devon Price

• Coaching Groups at ADHD reWired

• Virtual CoWorking with Adult Study Hall

• Portia Jackson Preston on Instagram: @portiasjourney

🎧 Takeaways:

• Unmasking isn’t a one-time event—it’s a process.

• Late diagnosis can be both a relief and a reckoning.

• Self-compassion isn’t optional; it’s a survival tool.

• You don’t have to prove your neurodivergence to anyone.

• It’s okay to change. It’s okay to grieve. And it’s okay to rest.

🎙 Guest Info: Today's guest, Elise Fillmore, is a queer and neurodivergent financial educator, bestselling author, and the founder of QueerdCo Elise focuses on identity-based finance, helping people navigate money through the lens of their lived experiences, challenges, and strengths. She’s also the author of Keeping Finance Personal and the host of the Dopamine Dollars podcast.

💡 Episode Highlights:

• How traditional financial advice often fails neurodivergent people
• Why financial planning should be tailored to your identity, lifestyle, and brain
• Strategies for making money management less overwhelming and more engaging
• The importance of automation and dopamine-driven finance systems
• Why shame and financial struggles are often systemic, not personal failings
• Common financial myths and why some mainstream advice (like Dave Ramsey’s) doesn’t work for ADHDers
• Practical ways to infuse joy into budgeting and create sustainable financial habits
• How to set up "fun money" accounts and make saving more rewarding
• Why financial tools and strategies “expire” for ADHDers – and what to do about it
• The role of external accountability in managing money

📌 Resources & Links:

• Elise Fillmore's Website: www.queerdco.com
• Instagram: @elisefillmore
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellycefulmore
• Book: Keeping Finance Personal – Available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook https://amzn.to/3FxRpCf
• Podcast: Dopamine Dollars – Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode:

• DOPA Menu: A list of dopamine-boosting activities to help manage impulsive spending

📢 Support ADHD reWired!

• Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen
• Share this episode with someone who might find it helpful
• Become a Patreon supporter to help us keep creating great content!

🚀 Join ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups!

• Our Spring 2025 Coaching Groups are coming up soon! April 24 - June 19
  • Registration Events: March 27 & April 2
• Learn more & sign up: coachingrewired.com

🖥 Adult Study Hall - ADHD reWired's Virtual Co-working community. www.adultstudyhall.com

• New Zen Tangle and Journal with me sessions on Sundays at 8:30am PT / 11:30am ET

🎧 Don’t Miss the Next Episode!
Subscribe & follow so you never miss an episode of ADHD reWired!

In this episode of ADHD reWired, Eric Tivers welcomes Chris Hooten, a LinkedIn Top Facilitation Voice and certified neuro-mindfulness coach. With over 15 years of experience, Chris specializes in helping neurodiverse organizations foster inclusive communication, leadership, and workplace strategies.

Eric begins the episode with a personal update, sharing his ongoing journey of overcoming burnout and a recent formal autism evaluation. He also highlights his interviews on Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Entrepreneur on Fire, as well as the pressing need for advocacy in the face of recent policy changes that threaten diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

The core discussion revolves around communication challenges in neurodivergent teams and how traditional workplace structures often fail to accommodate neurodiverse employees. Chris introduces the 4D Model of Neuroinclusive Communication—a framework designed to improve communication by making it more descriptive, deliberate, direct, and diverse. They discuss common workplace miscommunication issues, the pitfalls of platforms like Slack for neurodivergent individuals, and how managers can foster psychological safety.

Chris also explores the systemic barriers that impact neurodivergent and marginalized individuals in professional spaces. They emphasize shifting away from medicalized, deficit-based narratives about neurodiversity and adopting an intersectional, affirming approach that values lived experiences.

Eric and Chris conclude by reflecting on the evolving nature of work, the need for workplace wellness, and how neurodivergent individuals are often the first to recognize unsustainable work environments. Chris shares insights on fostering genuine inclusion rather than performative DEI efforts and provides strategies for improving workplace culture.

🔗 Find Chris Hooten: ChrisHootenConsulting.com | LinkedIn | Instagram

💡 Resources & Announcements:

• Pre-registration is now open for the ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups. Secure your spot at coachingrewired.com.
• Spring Sessions April 24 - June 19th.
• Join Adult Study Hall for virtual co-working and upcoming Zentangle workshops at adultstudyhall.com.
• Support the show on Patreon at patreon.com/ADHDrewired.

🎧 Listen Now! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast app!

Contact Chris at

https://chrishootenconsulting.com/

ADHD reWired's Coaching and Accountability Groups: www.coachingrewired.com

Adult Study Hall: www.adultstudyhall.com

Eric on the Chasing Life Podcast - https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/chasing-life/episodes/af3c5cb0-37bb-11ef-8219-ab8d404559ae

Eric on Entrepuner on Fire https://www.eofire.com/podcast/erictivers2/

5 Calls https://5calls.org/

In this episode of ADHD reWired, I’m pulling back the curtain on two intertwined journeys: my own path toward sustainability and the incredible growth story of Jessica, an alumna of our ADHD Coaching and Accountability Groups. As I’ve navigated my own challenges with burnout and the pressures of juggling too much, I’ve made a commitment this year to focus on what matters most. My word for the year—sustainability—has reshaped how I approach my work, my energy, and even this podcast.

Jessica’s story adds another layer of depth to this episode. After feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected while pursuing her PhD, Jessica joined our fall coaching group. Through her deeply personal and reflective audio journal, she shares how the program helped her build sustainable systems, reconnect with her goals, and find the motivation to tackle her work and her life with renewed energy. From discovering the power of accountability teams to replacing old habits with more supportive ones, Jessica’s transformation offers hope and inspiration for anyone seeking to live more intentionally with ADHD.

This season, we’ve made changes to our coaching program to better support ADHDers like you. Now 8 weeks instead of 10, the program is more focused and accessible. We’ve also introduced on-demand access to our yearly planning sessions, allowing you to go at your own pace. These adjustments reflect the principle that less is truly more when it comes to creating meaningful and lasting growth.

The final registration events for our Winter Coaching and Accountability Groups are Wednesday and Thursday of this week, so now is the time to take the next step. If you’re ready to stop juggling fireballs and start building a more sustainable, ADHD-friendly life, visit coachingrewired.com to pre-register today.

Tune in to hear Jessica’s story, learn more about what makes our coaching groups so transformative, and find inspiration to start your own growth journey. Together, let’s challenge internalized ableism and reimagine what it means to thrive with ADHD.

Eric Tivers continues to reflect on his journey of overcoming burnout and seeking solutions for long-term sustainable energy management.

ADHD at 80 MPH is a nod to the last episode recorded in the car about 9 years ago. Episode 47 called ADHD at 55 MPH.

Recording from his car during a road trip, Eric shares his experiences of taking a solo retreat to recharge and refocus and to think about yearly planning. He discusses his efforts to rebalance his work and personal needs, and some insights he's recently gained.

The episode also touches on his continued discovery of being autistic alongside having ADHD and how it's shaping his approach to life and business.

Eric also announces the opening of registration for winter coaching and accountability groups, reflecting on the value of community and structured support for ADHD individuals. The episode concludes with hearing from some recent coaching group alumi and with logistical details about upcoming coaching sessions and community events.

Registration for our winter groups starts Jan. 3, 2025.
Winter sessions are January 30 - March 27.
Add your name to our interest list at www.coachingrewired.com

It's not to late to do your yearly planning with ADHD reWired in Adult Study Hall. Our 5-part yearly planning series is available on demand for Adult Study Hall Members. Join today. It's only $19.99 a month, or save with an annual membership for only $150 for the year.

You can also support this work on Patreon.

*Note - There will be no Monthly Patreon Coaching Call, or Pomodoro Dance Party for Adult Study Hall Members in December. But we'll be back in January.