Amy and Megan take a winding path as they discuss the neurodivergent brain’s unique ability to make unexpected connections. From exploring the challenges of energy management and multitasking to the intricacies of research and writing, they delve into how neurodivergent individuals leverage their web-like thinking to find creative solutions. Along the way, they chat about their experiences using AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly, sharing insights on the benefits and pitfalls of integrating AI into their work and personal lives. If you've ever wondered how neurodivergent minds find patterns and problem-solve in non-linear ways, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, CTRL + ALT + THINK dives into the art (and challenge!) of mindfulness for neurodivergent minds. Megan and Amy explore how mindfulness doesn’t have to mean sitting cross-legged in silence for hours but can instead be about finding small, grounded moments—like savoring that perfect cup of coffee or zoning out to birds chirping. The duo shares practical mindfulness hacks, from quick sensory techniques like 5-4-3-2-1 to casual grounding rituals. Plus, they reveal some personal quirks, like Megan’s “garden gazing” habit and Amy’s coffee rituals. They wrap up by questioning whether mindfulness can help grow our self-awareness, setting the stage for more introspective discussions in future episodes. Tune in for relatable mindfulness tips, neurodivergent-friendly advice, and a refreshing reminder that it’s okay if traditional methods don’t work for you!

Amy and Megan dive into the brain dump technique, a powerful tool for reducing overwhelm and improving focus, especially for neurodivergent brains. Both share their recent experiences with brain dumps, and how this simple act of getting all the mental clutter onto paper can offer clarity and stress relief. From short-term memory struggles to sorting through long to-do lists, they explore how a brain dump helps untangle everything vying for your attention—whether it's work, personal projects, or just random thoughts. Amy and Megan discuss personalized approaches to brain dumping, including how categorizing and prioritizing items afterward can lead to big productivity wins. Plus, Megan shares a fun tip on how she turned her brain dump into a motivation boost, using gardening as a reward! Tune in for tips on decluttering your mind, organizing your ideas, and finding a system that works best for you.

In this episode of CTRL+ALT+Think, Megan and Amy dive into the world of presentations, executive function, and the unique joys (or not) of prepping for public speaking. Ever feel like your brain is doing cartwheels when you’re supposed to be laser-focused? You’re not alone! Amy shares her experience preparing for an executive function presentation—juggling the anxiety of forgetting her main points with the struggle of winging it. Megan weighs in, reflecting on her own love-hate relationship with organizing thoughts, preparing materials, and managing last-minute adrenaline rushes. The duo keeps it real (and a little funny) as they chat about how executive function impacts everything from presentation prep to delivery and why sometimes the best approach is knowing yourself well enough to build in scaffolding (and a little grace). Whether you’re a chronic wing-it presenter or a detail-oriented planner, you’ll laugh, relate, and maybe even find a few tips to ease the presentation panic. Get ready to press play and learn how to work with your brain, not against it!

In this episode of Ctrl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds, hosts Amy from Creative Catapult Coaching and Megan from Focus Like a Mother discuss navigating major transitions in life. From the shift from summer to fall, returning from vacations, and juggling changing routines, they explore how these disruptions can discombobulate even the most organized minds. They dive into personal stories of getting back into the swing of things after time away, the impact on energy and executive function, and offer their top strategies for smoother transitions. If you've ever needed a vacation to recover from your vacation, this episode is for you! Tune in for practical tips on managing your brain's "flywheel" during life's big shifts, and how to give yourself the grace and time to reorient.

Ever feel like your workspace just isn't cutting it? In this episode of CTRL + ALT + Think, Megan and Amy dive into the quirks of working from different spaces—whether it's your office, porch, or a far-off hotel room. From the necessity of spreading out (hello, visual clutter) to the distractions of coffee shops (no, I'm not interested in your latte order), we explore how changing scenery impacts productivity, focus, and creativity. Tune in for some laughs, practical tips, and a glimpse into why switching things up might just be the key to getting things done.

In this episode, Amy and Megan dive into the world of video calls through a neurodivergent lens. They explore how virtual meetings differ from in-person interactions, discussing both the pros and cons. From managing self-awareness on camera to balancing external stimuli, they share their unique preferences and challenges. The conversation touches on video call etiquette, body doubling, and the sensory sensitivities that come into play for neurodivergent individuals. Whether you're a fan of video calls or find them draining, Amy and Megan's insights will have you reflecting on your own virtual meeting experiences.

Welcome to another delightfully chaotic episode of CTRL + ALT + Think! Megan and Amy dive into the wild world of sensory sensitivities and quirks that come with neurodivergence. From haircuts that felt like a ticklish nightmare to discovering the soothing magic of head massages, the duo shares their personal sensory highs and lows.

They explore how sensory experiences vary—from the agony of certain sounds (hello, fingernails on a chalkboard!) to the sweet relief of vestibular input like swinging and spinning. Along the way, they unpack the different senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, proprioception, vestibular, and interoception—and how these can be intensely soothing or downright maddening.

Amy recounts her surprising rage triggered by streetlights at night. At the same time, Megan reveals her struggles with sound sensitivities and the overwhelming smell of other people's clean laundry. They also touch on sensory coping strategies and the importance of self-awareness in managing these traits.

So, buckle up and join them as they navigate this sensory smorgasbord. You might find a few relatable moments that make you say, "Same!"