Ctl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds Podcast

Join Amy and Megan as they cozy up for a heartwarming chat about the creative ways neurodivergent minds adapt their environments for maximum comfort. From treadmills in living rooms to humidity-sensing bathroom fans, discover how seemingly "weird" solutions can actually be brilliant innovations.Dive into conversations about sensory preferences, seasonal mood management, and the guilt-free embrace of tools like yellow-tinted glasses and ear protection. Whether you're wrestling with temperature sensitivity, seeking better sleep routines, or just wanting to make your space work better for your brain, this episode validates that your comfort isn't just a luxury—it's essential for thriving.Learn why that […]

Task Completion Chaos: Ever feel like finishing a task is as elusive as a unicorn riding a rainbow? You're not alone! Join Amy and Megan as they dive into the wild world of task completion for neurodivergent minds.In this episode, our hosts get real about: The struggle of starting a podcast recording (spoiler: it took 10 minutes!) How parenting throws a wrench in even the simplest tasks (coffee, anyone?) The dreaded "task limbo" and why it's so hard to escape Creating "recipe cards" for life's repetitive tasks (because who can remember all those steps?) The unexpected emotions that pop up […]

Amy and Megan dive into the surprising benefits of external motivation for neurodivergent minds. They explore how meetings, pet care, and body doubling can create productive momentum when executive function is challenging. Learn practical strategies for leveraging external accountability, the truth about self-imposed deadlines, and how to identify when external structures help versus hinder your productivity. Perfect for professionals seeking effective ADHD-friendly productivity tools and anyone wondering why those calendar invites might actually be working in their favor.

In this episode of the Control Alt Think podcast, hosts Amy Voros and her co-host explore the complex topic of **overwhelm**, particularly from the perspective of neurodivergent entrepreneurs. They dive deep into strategies for managing stress, recognizing early signs of emotional and physical overwhelm, and leveraging **automation** and **external systems** to reduce mental load. Key discussion points include: – Recognizing physical and emotional signs of overwhelm – The difference between stress in corporate versus self-employed environments – Strategies for automation and task management – The importance of interoception and emotional regulation – Creating systems that reduce cognitive burden for repetitive […]

Amy and Megan dive into the complex relationship between neurodivergent brains, online shopping, and dopamine. From navigating Black Friday deals to managing impulse purchases, they share practical strategies for mindful spending. Discussion includes creating effective gift lists, using separate savings accounts, managing digital payment temptations, and balancing the dopamine rush of shopping with financial well-being. Perfect for neurodivergent adults seeking to understand their shopping patterns and develop better spending habits during high-pressure sales seasons.

In this episode of Ctrl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds, Amy and Megan dive into the interconnected worlds of interoception, self-regulation, and emotional awareness. They explore what it means to interpret internal body signals—like hunger, fatigue, and emotions—and how neurodivergence can create unique challenges and strengths in understanding these cues. From personal experiences with wearables to navigating sensory sensitivities and energy regulation, this candid discussion highlights practical strategies for building self-awareness and managing the complexities of living in a neurodivergent body.

Can hyper-focus be both a superpower and a struggle? In this candid conversation, Amy and Megan explore the complexities of intense focus states in neurodivergent brains. From productive deep work to unwanted fixations, they unpack the science and lived experience of when your brain latches onto something and won't let go. You'll discover: Whether you're learning to harness your focus superpowers or struggling to redirect them, this episode offers fresh perspectives on working with (not against) your brain's natural tendencies. Join our hosts as they share personal strategies, laugh about laptop batteries as accountability partners, and explore how to navigate […]

In this episode of Ctrl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds, Amy and Megan dive into the ins and outs of conference preparation, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. From managing energy and sensory overload to strategic packing and self-care, they explore the delicate balance of maximizing learning and connection while minimizing burnout. Whether you're a seasoned conference-goer or considering your first, tune in for practical tips, funny anecdotes, and candid reflections on the trade-offs of in-person and virtual events.

Ever felt like your brain went through a blender? In this fascinating episode, Amy and Megan dive deep into the science of "mom brain" and the massive neurological restructuring that happens during parenthood (spoiler: it's as significant as adolescence!). Whether you're a parent, considering parenthood, or just curious about how major life changes affect our neurodivergent minds, you'll discover: Join our hosts as they challenge harmful stereotypes about "mom brain" and explore how major life transitions reshape our neurological landscape. Whether you're navigating parenthood with ADHD, supporting someone who is, or interested in how our brains adapt to big changes, […]

In this episode of Ctl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds, Amy and Megan dive into the concept of “I just need to” — those tasks we tell ourselves should be simple but often feel impossible to complete. They explore why these “just need to” moments can be deceptive indicators of deeper blocks and discuss strategies like time-blocking, recipe cards, and delegation to navigate them. Tune in to hear relatable stories, including how both hosts have approached their own tricky “just need to” situations and insights on balancing support with self-compassion. This candid conversation sheds light on why […]

In this episode of CTRL + ALT + THINK, Amy and Megan dig into the love-hate relationship that neurodivergent minds have with deadlines. From helpful tips like using visual timers to fun deadline hacks, they share strategies for managing (or sometimes dodging) deadlines without losing too much sanity. Amy dives into how energy management can make or break her approach to deadlines, while Megan explores how self-imposed deadlines, turned external for accountability, keep her on track. They discuss the dance of “urgent” versus “interesting” work, debate the power of rest, and laugh about those inevitable deadline fails that only ADHD […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

On this episode of CTRL + ALT + Think, hosts Amy and Megan tackle the love-hate relationship we all have with technology. From Megan’s trusty, 'borderline vintage' phone to Amy’s shiny new foldable gadget, they dish out personal stories on how tech has wedged itself into their daily routines—sometimes as a lifesaver, other times as a sneaky time thief. They chat about the pros of smart home devices and apps that help navigate life’s chaos (especially for neurodivergent folks) but also get real about the constant battle against tech’s siren call of endless distractions. Whether it’s games, social media, or […]