DiscoverNeurodivergent Strategies for Late-Diagnosed Adults: Find Your Divergent Path
Neurodivergent Strategies for Late-Diagnosed Adults: Find Your Divergent Path
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Neurodivergent Strategies for Late-Diagnosed Adults: Find Your Divergent Path

Author: Regina McMenomy, PhD.

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Neurodivergent Strategies for Late-Diagnosed Adults is the podcast for people with ADHD, autism, and other late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults ready to unmask, heal from burnout, and build a life that works with their brain, not against it.

Hosted by Dr. Regina McMenomy, Ph.D., this show offers real talk and practical strategies for navigating executive dysfunction, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), perfectionism, emotional regulation, masking, PDA, and more. Each episode explores how unspoken expectations, internalized ableism, and cultural myths about productivity keep neurodivergent people stuck and what we can do to shift the narrative.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, self-discovered, or still figuring it out, you’ll find insight, compassion, and tools to help you find your divergent path.

Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes!

Book a Free Discovery Call with Regina

About the Host:

Dr. Regina McMenomy Ph.D. (she/her) is a neurodivergent coach, educator, and host of the Divergent Paths podcast. With a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies and over 20 years of experience in higher education and instructional design, she blends academic depth with lived neurodivergent insight. Regina was diagnosed later in life and like many of her clients, spent decades masking, overworking, and wondering why burnout always came back.

Now she helps late-diagnosed people with ADHD and autism unmask safely, rebuild their self-trust, and embrace rest as a radical act of self-support. The Divergent Paths podcast offers empowering conversations, practical tools, and hard-won wisdom for those ready to live more authentically.

You’ll often find her talking about nervous system regulation, perfectionism, emotional honesty and, occasionally, oatmeal.

35 Episodes
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Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Unmasking isn’t about ignoring others or living without filters. It’s about finally showing up as your real self instead of a version built to keep everyone else comfortable. In this episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy, PhD, and co-host Russ bust the biggest misconceptions about neurodivergent unmasking.They unpack three common myths:That unmasking means you stop caring what people think,That unmasking gives you permission to be unfiltered or rude, andThat unmasking means putting your needs above others.Through personal stories and humor (yes, including a pizza-related revelation), Regina and Russ explore what healthy unmasking really looks like—balancing authenticity, empathy, and accountability without losing connection.Book a Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Dr. Regina McMenomy, Ph.D., is a neurodivergent coach, educator, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. She helps late-diagnosed adults unmask, heal, and thrive without burning out. Author of the N.E.R.D. Notes Newsletter and host of the Divergent Paths podcast, Regina blends academic insight with nerdy joy to build belonging from the inside out. Catch her on Instagram @DrReginaPhD
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Perfectionism doesn’t always show up in spreadsheets and checklists. In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Solutions, Dr. Regina McMenomy Ph.D. explores how the drive to be perfectly understood shapes her writing, her identity, and her unmasking journey.Drawing from her background as a poet and her late auDHD diagnosis, Regina shares how a deep love for words has always been both a gift and a trap. She breaks down how perfectionism in writing often comes from a need for clarity, safety, and self-expression and why that pursuit of “just the right word” can feel both empowering and exhausting.Whether you obsess over every sentence in an email or edit your voice in real-time during conversations, this episode offers gentle insight into how language, perfectionism, and neurodivergence intertwine.Book a Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Dr. Regina McMenomy, Ph.D., is a neurodivergent coach, educator, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. She helps late-diagnosed adults unmask, heal, and thrive without burning out. Author of the N.E.R.D. Notes Newsletter and host of the Divergent Paths podcast, Regina blends academic insight with nerdy joy to build belonging from the inside out. Catch her on Instagram @DrReginaPhD
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Why do neurodivergent brains often wait until the last minute to get things done? In this episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy, Ph.D. and co-host Russ Catanach unpack urgency bias: the tendency to focus only on what feels immediately urgent. From procrastination and crisis-mode productivity to burnout and emotional stress, we explore why urgency bias happens, how it can both help and harm, and practical strategies to work with it instead of against it. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I only get things done when the deadline is on top of me,” this episode is for you.Book a Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!What happens after you unmask and suddenly realize you’re not sure who you really are? In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Solutions, Dr. Regina McMenomy, Ph.D. explores the identity crisis that often follows late-diagnosed ADHD or autism, and why not knowing who you are without the mask is completely normal.Regina shares why high-masking neurodivergent adults often lose touch with their preferences, emotions, and even their sense of self and what to do about it. With compassion, personal stories, and reflective prompts, this episode guides you through the messy, beautiful process of rediscovering who you are beneath the performance.You’ll learn:Why masking can overwrite identityHow grief and fear show up after unmaskingWhere to start when you don’t know your likes, needs, or voice anymoreGentle strategies for rebuilding a sense of self, one moment at a timeIf you’ve ever asked, “Who am I, really?”—this one’s for you.Book a Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!In this special episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy Ph.D. and co-host Russ Catanach take you inside their live panel at Rose City Comic Con: “Neurospicy Brains, Found Family, and Fandom… Oh My!” Recorded in front of nearly 400 attendees, this conversation highlights how fandom communities — from cosplay to comics to gaming — provide belonging and resilience for late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adults. Joined by panelists Rachel Ferdaszewski, Isabela Oliveira, and Rabbi Davina Bookbinder, the panel explores neurodivergent identity, perfectionism, masking, burnout, and the healing power of found family in geek culture.If you’ve ever felt like you “missed the tutorial level of life,” this episode will remind you that you’re not alone and that your story matters.Join N.E.R.D.sBook a Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Masking isn’t a lie—it’s a life skill. In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Solutions, Dr. Regina McMenomy unpacks why neurodivergent people learn to mask from such a young age and why it’s not a failure of authenticity but a tool for safety and belonging.Drawing from her personal experience as a late-diagnosed ADHD adult and mother, Regina explores how masking develops in response to rejection sensitivity, social expectations, and survival instincts. She also discusses the complex reality of unintentionally teaching masking to our kids and why approaching this topic with compassion is the key to healing.You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of:How masking starts (and why it’s reinforced)Why it’s normal to mask even after diagnosisThe cost of masking—and the power of reframing itHow to begin the unmasking process with self-trust and intentionIf you’ve ever felt ashamed for hiding parts of yourself, this episode will help you replace that shame with compassion.Book a Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Impulsivity isn’t just about skydiving on a whim or blowing your paycheck on shoes. For neurodivergent folks, it often shows up in subtle ways: cutting someone off mid-sentence, firing off a 2am text, or jumping to finish someone’s thought. In this episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy and co-host Russ Catanach delve into the neurological implications of impulsivity, examining how dopamine and executive function contribute to its manifestation, and why it’s not always a flaw. They share personal stories, pop culture examples, and practical strategies for pausing between urge and action, while still honoring the creativity and spontaneity that impulsivity can bring.Whether you live with ADHD, autism, or are just curious about how neurodivergent brains work, this episode will change the way you think about impulsivity.Want to dig deeper? Practice some healthy impulsivity by signing up for Regina’s free newsletter at divergentpathsconsulting.com for more stories, strategies, and resources.Book a Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Unmasking as a neurodivergent adult isn’t about oversharing. It’s about finally showing up as your full self. In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Solutions, Dr. Regina McMenomy shares practical, compassionate unmasking strategies designed for late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic adults navigating work, relationships, and everyday life.Learn how to recognize when you’re masking, stop performing to make other people comfortable and start honoring your real needs. From communication habits to self-accommodation, this episode offers small, actionable steps to help you unmask with intention—not fear.Whether you’re just beginning to understand your neurodivergence or you’ve been on this journey for a while, this episode is a grounding, encouraging guide to reclaiming your voice, your energy, and your identity.Book a Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Struggling to recognize when you’re hungry, tired, anxious—or even where your body is in space? You’re not alone. In this episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy and co-host Russ Catanach explore the often-overlooked sensory systems of interoception and proprioception—and why they’re especially important for neurodivergent folks.We break down:What interoception and proprioception actually areWhy body awareness feels harder for ADHDers and autistic peopleHow these “hidden senses” impact emotional regulation, burnout, and self-carePersonal stories of missed signals, sensory confusion, and learning to tune inTools to reconnect with your body and support your nervous systemWhether you’re newly diagnosed or deep in your unmasking journey, understanding these internal sensory systems can be a game-changer. Your body’s been trying to talk to you—maybe it’s time to listen. So enjoy this episode we lovingly nicknamed, "Where did that bruise come from?"Book a Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Is masking a sign of maturity—or a survival strategy? In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Solutions, Dr. Regina McMenomy challenges the idea that “professionalism” means suppressing who you really are. She explores how masking shows up in the workplace for neurodivergent adults, why it’s often misread as emotional maturity, and how that misperception leads to burnout, disconnection, and self-doubt.You’ll learn:What masking looks like for ADHD and autistic professionalsWhy emotional suppression is not the same as emotional intelligenceThree safer ways to begin unmasking at workHow to shift workplace expectations without putting yourself at riskWhether you're navigating a corporate job, academic space, or creative field, this episode will help you recognize the hidden costs of masking—and offer tangible ways to honor your authentic self on the job.Book a Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Why do so many late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults feel like frauds—even when they’re thriving? In this episode of Divergent Paths, Regina McMenomy, Ph.D., unpacks the neuroscience behind imposter syndrome and explains why it hits harder for people with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence.With co-host Russ Catanach, Regina shares personal stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you recognize imposter syndrome for what it really is: a stress response shaped by masking, rejection sensitivity, and years of chronic invalidation.Whether you’ve ever thought “I don’t deserve this” or struggled to believe your own success, this conversation will help you reframe self-doubt and start building confidence from the inside out.Book a Free Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a requirement. In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Solutions, Dr. Regina McMenomy explores why rest is essential for neurodivergent bodies and brains, and why our cultural beliefs about laziness, productivity, and burnout often fail those of us with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergences.Regina shares personal stories and hard-won insights about redefining rest—not as a failure to hustle, but as a radical act of self-preservation and nervous system regulation. You’ll learn how masking, hyperfocus, and chronic stress lead to burnout, and why intentional rest might be the most productive thing you can do.If you’ve ever cursed your “lazy” self or struggled to stop when your body is screaming for a break, this episode is for you.Book a Free Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Struggling to manage your time, stay on schedule, or even feel the passing of time? You’re not alone. In this episode of Divergent Paths, host Dr. Regina McMenomy and co-host Russ Catanach unpack the neuroscience behind time blindness, a common experience for people with ADHD and autism.We explore:What time blindness really is (hint: it’s not just poor time management)Why ND brains perceive time differentlyShame-free strategies that actually workWhether you’re neurodivergent yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you understand the why behind the chaos—and how to work with your brain, not against it. Plus, Regina shares personal stories, practical tools, and accommodations she uses to stay anchored in time.Book a Free Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in systems thinking, higher education, and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.About Russ CatanachRuss is a marketing executive, podcast host, and longtime friend of Regina’s who brings curiosity, candor, and levity to every conversation. As the co-host of Divergent Paths, Russ plays the role of thoughtful interviewer and relatable everyman, helping unpack complex topics in a way that’s both grounded and accessible.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Why do so many neurodivergent adults resist going to bed even when they're exhausted? In this episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy and co-host Russ Catanach explore the psychology and neuroscience behind revenge bedtime procrastination, a common but misunderstood behavior where people delay sleep to reclaim autonomy and personal time.This episode explores why neurodivergent brains often don’t "power down" like those of neurotypical individuals and what we can do about it. Learn how overstimulation, delayed melatonin release, and unmet emotional needs fuel this cycle, and why rest is more than a luxury—it’s a right.Plus, Regina shares gentle, practical strategies that support your nervous system without relying on shame or willpower.Book a Free Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.About Russ CatanachRuss is a marketing executive, podcast host, and longtime friend of Regina’s who brings curiosity, candor, and levity to every conversation. As the co-host of Divergent Paths, Russ plays the role of thoughtful interviewer and relatable everyman, helping unpack complex topics in a way that’s both grounded and accessible.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Is it emotional immaturity or the long-term impact of masking, trauma, and survival mode? In this heartfelt episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy explores how neurodivergent individuals often experience delayed or disrupted emotional development, not because they’re broken, but because they’ve been adapting to environments that never fully accepted them. Co-host Russ Catanach asks the big questions as Regina shares lived experiences, cultural insight, and unfiltered emotion, including tears on the mic for the first time. If you’ve ever felt behind in your emotional growth or misunderstood for your reactions, this episode will make you feel seen.Book a Free Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD,Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.About Russ CatanachRuss is a marketing executive, podcast host, and longtime friend of Regina’s who brings curiosity, candor, and levity to every conversation. As the co-host of Divergent Paths, Russ plays the role of thoughtful interviewer and relatable everyman, helping unpack complex topics in a way that’s both grounded and accessible.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!What exactly is a special interest and why are they so essential to neurodivergent people? In this episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy breaks down how special interests go far beyond hobbies. From emotional regulation to identity formation, we explore the deep role these passions play for ADHD and autistic folks. Joined by co-host Russ Catanach, Regina shares personal stories, clinical insights, and cultural observations about how special interests fuel joy, soothe overwhelm, and sometimes become lifelines. Whether yours is dinosaurs, data, or DIY crafts, this episode validates why it’s more than “just a phase.”Book a Free Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy, Ph.D.Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals and organizations create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.About Russ CatanachRuss is a marketing executive, podcast host, and longtime friend of Regina’s who brings curiosity, candor, and levity to every conversation. As the co-host of Divergent Paths, Russ plays the role of thoughtful interviewer and relatable everyman, helping unpack complex topics in a way that’s both grounded and accessible.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Do you ever feel emotionally overloaded without knowing why? Or find yourself mirroring someone else's mood without realizing it? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. In this episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy and cohost Russ Catanach unpack two powerful but often misunderstood neurodivergent experiences: emotional contagion and alexithymia.You’ll learn what these terms mean, how they often show up together, and why they’re so common among ADHD and autistic individuals. Regina explains how catching someone else’s emotions (emotional contagion) can collide with difficulty naming your own feelings (alexithymia), creating what she calls “emotional static.” From personal stories to practical insights, this episode helps you build emotional fluency, set better boundaries, and stop absorbing what doesn’t belong to you.Key topics:What emotional contagion is and why it hits neurodivergent folks hardUnderstanding alexithymia and the difference between thinking and feeling emotionsHow these experiences impact relationships, parenting, and workplace dynamicsPractical tools for checking in with your body and reclaiming emotional clarityBook a Free Clarity Call with ReginaRegina McMenomy, PhD Regina is a neurodivergent leadership consultant, podcast host, and systems thinker who helps organizations build workplaces where everyone can thrive. With a background in higher education and a passion for inclusion, she brings insight, empathy, and a lot of lived experience to every conversation.Russ Catanach Russ is a marketing professional, speaker, and co-host of the DIY for Business podcast. Known for his humor and clarity, he brings a grounded, real-world lens to workplace challenges and personal growth conversations.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!In this episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenemy and co-host Russ Catanach explore the all-too-relatable phenomena of DOOM piles and task saturation—when your physical and mental clutter team up to ambush your productivity and sanity. From unopened mail to emotional overload, this conversation blends humor, insight, and compassion for chaotic brains trying to survive modern life. If you've ever hidden a mess in a box just to make it "go away" or felt like your brain was made of oatmeal after a big project, this one's for you.They unpack how executive dysfunction plays into everyday overwhelm, strategies to break the shame cycle, and the power of playful productivity rituals (yes, Duolingo counts). Whether you're neurodivergent or just overworked, this episode validates your exhaustion and offers practical tools to get unstuck, one doom pile at a time.Book a Free Clarity Call with ReginaDr. Regina McMenomy is a writer, educator, and self-professed digital hoarder with a deep commitment to unpacking the complexities of neurodivergent life. With a PhD in hand (but not the medical kind), she brings compassion, lived experience, and a sharp wit to conversations about executive dysfunction, ADHD, burnout, and creative recovery.Russ Catanach is a media pro, digital archivist of everything since 1994, and a long-time advocate for navigating mental clutter with humor and honesty. Equal parts practical and perceptive, Russ helps bridge theory with the lived chaos of doing-all-the-things, often while fighting his inbox and clinging to his boogie board (not the beach kind).
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Burnout isn’t just about being tired—it’s what happens when your nervous system is screaming for a better way to live. In this episode of Divergent Paths, host Dr. Regina McMenomy is joined by Russ Catanach for a deeply honest conversation about neurodivergent burnout. They unpack how masking, misaligned environments, and hyperfocus can quietly push us toward the edge and why recovery isn’t about powering through, but embracing rest as a radical act of survival.Learn how Regina redefined productivity, the cost of perfectionism, and what it really means to live within your capacity. Whether you're in the middle of burnout or trying to avoid it, this episode offers powerful validation and practical insights for neurodivergent minds.Book a Free Clarity Call with ReginaRegina McMenomy, PhD Regina is a neurodivergent leadership consultant, podcast host, and systems thinker who helps organizations build workplaces where everyone can thrive. With a background in higher education and a passion for inclusion, she brings insight, empathy, and a lot of lived experience to every conversation.Russ Catanach Russ is a marketing professional, speaker, and co-host of the DIY for Business podcast. Known for his humor and clarity, he brings a grounded, real-world lens to workplace challenges and personal growth conversations.
Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Welcome back to Divergent Paths, the podcast that explores neurodivergent life beyond the stereotypes. In this episode, host Dr. Regina McMenomy, Ph.D. dives deep into one of the most misunderstood aspects of neurodivergence—Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), sometimes reframed as a Persistent Drive for Autonomy.If you’ve ever irrationally resisted a task—even one you actually want to do—this episode is for you. Together with co-host Russ Catanach, Regina unpacks the emotional toll of PDA, how it’s often masked, and what it means to work with your nervous system instead of against it. From dishes to diagnoses, this is a candid, compassionate, and occasionally hilarious look at what happens when autonomy becomes essential.In this episode:What PDA really is and how it shows up in daily lifeWhy well-meaning suggestions can trigger intense resistanceHow PDA intersects with masking, burnout, and RSDReal-world strategies for navigating PDA at home and workWhy leading with curiosity builds better relationshipsWhether you’re newly diagnosed or just starting to explore neurodivergent traits, this episode will help you make sense of your “why can’t I just do it?” moments—and maybe even laugh at them a little, too.Book a Free Clarity Call with ReginaRegina McMenomy, PhD Regina is a neurodivergent leadership consultant, podcast host, and systems thinker who helps organizations build workplaces where everyone can thrive. With a background in higher education and a passion for inclusion, she brings insight, empathy, and a lot of lived experience to every conversation.Russ Catanach Russ is a marketing professional, speaker, and co-host of the DIY for Business podcast. Known for his humor and clarity, he brings a grounded, real-world lens to workplace challenges and personal growth conversations.
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