Unapologetically Sensitive
Psychology & Relationships
About
In this podcast, we explore how sensitivity weaves itself into our lives. We talk about the richness that it adds, and the strengths we have BECAUSE of our sensitivity and some of the challenges it poses as well. If you are a Creative, a deep thinker, a deep feeler, neurodivergent, autistic, a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), an introvert, or identify as INFJ or ENFJ, you may enjoy the in-depth conversations where we talk openly and honestly about how we experience life. This is a podcast where you can learn, relate, laugh and maybe even live a bolder, brighter life.Have you been told you're "too" (fill in the blank)? You're too sensitive; you think/worry too much; you take things too personally; you're too emotional, too finicky, too fragile, too intense, too uptight, too slow. Have you been told you can't take a joke; you can't go with the flow? You can't let go of things? Making decisions can be very difficult. You might have an acute sense of smell, and strong odors, crowded noisy
Episodes
- 280 When Your Nervous System Borrows Someone Else's Vibes
When Your Nervous System Borrows Someone Else's Vibes Patricia (she/her) shares a real-life update on navigating uncertainty, emotional overwhelm, and finding small moments of connection during difficult times. She reflects on the impact o…
- 279 The Quiet Season: Healing, Routine, and "Nothing to Talk About"
The Quiet Season: Healing, Routine, and "Nothing to Talk About" Patricia (she/her) reflects on a quiet, low-drama season of life and how emotional regulation, routine, and healing can create a sense of calm—but also unexpected challenges f…
- 278 The Radical Neurodivergent Act of Stopping Before You're Exhausted
The Radical Neurodivergent Act of Stopping Before You're Exhausted Patricia (she/her) shares what it's like when life is actuall calm. Without drama or big stories to tell, she reflects on learning to honor her energy limits. Patricia talk…
- 277 Yes, I Twisted My Ankle. Yes, I Peed a Little
Yes, I Twisted My Ankle. Yes, I Peed a Little Patricia Young (she/her) explores how change— even neutral change — can feel dysregulating, especially for autistic and neurodivergent people. From shifting family schedules and unexpected trav…
- 276 Insurance Denials, Unexpected Connection Hacks and a Kitten with a Foot Fetish
Insurance Denials, Unexpected Connection Hacks and a Kitten with a Foot Fetish Patricia Young (she/her) shares a "mishmash" of real-time reflections on disappointment, expectations, nervous system shifts, and the everyday emotional intensi…
- 275 Unbothered, Unmasked, and Still Showing Up: Why Neurodivergent People Do the Hard Things for Others
Unbothered, Unmasked, and Still Showing Up: Why Neurodivergent People Do the Hard Things for Others Patricia Young (she/her) explores what it means to show up for others as an AuDHDer. She reflects on value-driven behavior, executive funct…
- 274 The Day My Nervous System Chose Violence (Internally)
The Day My Nervous System Chose Violence (Internally) Patricia Young (she/her) explores what happens when big feelings meet medication changes, OCD spirals, and unmet needs. Through a vulnerable personal story about adjusting OCD medicatio…
- 273 The Holidays: A Group Project My Nervous System Didn't Agree To
The Holidays: A Group Project My Nervous System Didn't Agree To In this New Year's episode, Patricia Young (she/her) explores why the holiday season can be especially challenging for autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD nervous systems. Through perso…
- 272 Bold Moves: Purple Hair, a Tattoo, and No Take-Backs
Bold Moves: Purple Hair, a Tattoo, and No Take-Backs Patricia (she/her) reflects on what it really means to make bold moves—and how we talk to ourselves when those decisions don't land the way we hoped. Through the very real experiences of…
- 271 Keeping it Real During the Holidays: p.s. I Love the Grinch!
Keeping it Real During the Holidays: p.s. I Love the Grinch! Patricia (she/her) dives into the emotional and sensory whirlwind of navigating change as an AuDHDer during the holiday season. She unpacks the exhaustion that comes from shiftin…
- 270 Boring Means Stable: Learning to Love Ordinary Days
Boring Means Stable: Learning to Love Ordinary Days In this honest, meandering, and heart-centered solo episode, Patricia Young (she/her) opens up about feeling "not enough," while navigating overwhelm, managing PDA (Pervasive Drive for Au…
- 269 No Room for In-Between: Literal Thinking and Communication Ruptures
No Room for In-Between: Literal Thinking and Communication Ruptures In this raw and honest episode, Patricia (she/her) shares her ongoing challenges with neurodivergent miscommunication, community rupture, and the emotional toll of being m…
- 268 The Push-Pull of ADHD and Autism: Stretching Without Breaking
The Push-Pull of ADHD and Autism: Stretching Without Breaking In this candid conversation, Patricia Young (she/her) and B Lourenco (she/her) dive deep into the realities of living with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence. They…
- 267 Rupture without Repair, and the Discomfort of Being Misunderstood
Rupture without Repair, and the Discomfort of Being Misunderstood In this deeply personal episode, Patricia (she/her) unpacks the fallout from a neighborhood rupture and the painful loss of community connection. Through the lens of being a…
- 266 When ADHD Wants Adventure and Autism Just Wants a Nap
When ADHD Wants Adventure and Autism Just Wants a Nap Patricia (she/her) explores what it means to show up authentically as a neurodivergent person—especially when navigating the tension between wanting novelty (hello ADHD/AuDHD brains!) a…
- 265 When the Dogs Stop Saying Hi: The Human Need for Connection and Belonging
When the Dogs Stop Saying Hi: The Human Need for Connection and Belonging Patricia (she/her) explores the complexities of community, being perceived, and the challenges of navigating relationships amidst misunderstandings and cancel cultur…
- 264 Disempowered to Empowered: Meltdowns, Boundaries & Donuts
Disempowered to Empowered: Meltdowns, Boundaries & Donuts In this heartfelt episode, Patricia (she/her) shares three powerful personal stories that highlight the challenges—and wins—that come with being a sensitive, creative, neurodivergen…
- 263 Friendship, Boundaries, and Other Olympic Sports for Autistic Brains
Friendship, Boundaries, and Other Olympic Sports for Autistic Brains Patricia gets real about friendship challenges, navigating communication mismatches, and how OCD and autistic wiring can shape our relationship expectations. She shares a…
- 262 Breaking Down Internalized Ableism
Breaking Down Internalized Ableism Summary In this conversation, Patricia explores the concept of internalized ableism, particularly among neurodivergent individuals. She discusses how societal stigma and expectations can lead to negative…
- 261 Some Challenges in Neurodivergent Communication
Some Challenges in Neurodivergent Communication Summary In this episode, Patricia discusses the challenges faced by AuDHDers and other neurodivergent individuals in communication, particularly regarding lack of responding to messages. She…
- 260 Coping and Prepatory Strategies for Overstimulating Situations
Coping and Prepatory Strategies for Overstimulating Situations Summary In this episode, Patricia discusses her experiences with content creation, coping strategies for overstimulation, and managing sensory sensitivities during significant…
- 259 Overstimulation & Recharge and the Impact on Relationships
Overstimulation & Recharge and the Impact on Relationships In this conversation, Patricia explores the themes of overstimulation, the importance of recharging, and the dynamics of friendship, particularly in the context of neurodivergence.…
- 258 Performative Expectations vs. Honoring Your Neurodivergent (AuDHD) Needs
Performative Expectations vs. Honoring Your Neurodivergent (AuDHD) Needs In this conversation, Patricia discusses the challenges of navigating personal truths, autonomy, and performative expectations, particularly as an AuDHDer. Patricia r…
- 257 Lessons from the Past, and Moving Forward
Lessons From the Past and Moving Forward In this episode, Patricia reconnects after a long break to discuss personal growth through relationships, dealing with OCD, and navigating self-disclosure. Patricia shares experiences with past frie…
- 256 Taking a Podcast Break: Self-Acceptance & Self-Worth
Taking a Podcast Break: Self-Acceptance & Self-Worth Patricia announces that she will be taking a break from the podcast. She discusses the challenges of OCD and attachment injuries in relationships and shares tools that have been helpful…
- 255 Attachment Injuries and OCD: The Healing Continues
Attachment Injuries and OCD: The Healing Continues Summary Patricia discusses her experience with OCD and attachment injuries while Jen, is on vacation. She explores her fears and insecurities about asking for support and needing connectio…
- 254 Annoyance & Acceptance: Managing Emotions in Friendships
Annoyance & Acceptance: Managing Emotions in Friendships Jen and Patricia discuss the importance of naming and accepting emotions, including annoyance, as well as the challenges of communication and managing expectations in their friendshi…
- 253 The Importance of Self-Regulation, Self-Compassion and Connection
The Importance of Self-Regulation, Self-Compassion and Connection Patricia discusses her feelings of annoyance and disappointment when her scheduled recording with Jen is cancelled. The conversation highlights the complexities of managing…
- 252 Navigating Reconnection after Rupture: Messiness is a Healthy Part of Relationships
Navigating Reconnection after Rupture: Messiness Is a Healthy Part of Relationships Patricia and Jen discuss the challenges of reconnecting after a rupture in their relationship. They explore the fear of not being able to get back to norma…
- 251 Taking Up Space and Expressing Your Feelings is Important for Healing Attachment Injuries
Taking up Space and Expressing Your Feelings is Important for Healing Attachment Injuries Patricia shares her experiences of her recent trip to Chicago. She discusses the challenges she faced in navigating changes in plans and the emotions…
- 250 Anger & Attachment: Navigating Different Neurotypes Within a Relationship
Anger and Attachment: Navigating Different Neurotypes Within a Relationship Patricia and Jen explore the dynamics of attachment injuries, ADHD, and autism within their friendship. They explore the challenges of communication, time orientat…
- 249 PDA & Empowering Autonomy: Navigating Uncertainty and Travel Preparation
PDA & Empowering Autonomy: Navigating Uncertainty and Travel Preparation Patricia discusses her experiences with attachment injuries, being activated, anxiety, and preparing for travel. She shares insights into managing her emotions and na…
- 248 Friendship Paradigms: Monogamy and Polyamory and Platonic Partnerships
Friendships Paradigms: Monogamy and Polyamory and Platonic Partnerships Patricia discusses the concept of monogamy and polyamory in friendships and platonic partnerships. She explores how the traditional view of monogamy has a hierarchy wh…
- 247 Attachment: Self-Compassion, Recognizing & Healing Unblended Parts
Attachment: Self-Compassion, Recognizing & Healing Unblended Parts Patricia and Jen discuss their personal experiences with attachment injuries and how it affects their relationship. They explore the challenges of communication and the imp…
- 246 Healing Attachment Wounds: Navigating Tough Conversations with Love
Healing Attachment Wounds: Navigating Tough Conversations with Love Patricia discusses her ongoing work on attachment wounds and her recent conversation with her mother about her childhood. She emphasizes the privilege of being able to hav…
- 245 Expansion and Contraction: Honoring Your Rhythms
Expansion and Contraction: Honoring Your Rhythms In this conversation, Patricia and Jen discuss their personal experiences with stress, burnout, and the challenges of navigating relationships. They explore the importance of self-compassion…
- 244 Managing Expectations: Showing Up For Yourself During Hard Times
Managing Expectations: Showing Up for Yourself During Hard Times Jen and Patricia discuss attachment wounds in their friendship. They explore the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and managing expectations. They highlight t…
- 243 Attachment Wounds: OCD, Projection, Managing Dysregulation
Attachment Wounds: OCD, Projection, Managing Dysregulation Patricia candidly discusses her experiences with attachment wounds, OCD tendencies, projection and trauma responses with Jen, and how this is showing up in their relationship. Patr…
- 242 Attachment Wounds: A Follow Up Conversation
Attachment Wounds: A Follow Up Conversation Jen and Patricia reflect on their recent challenge (see episode 241), and they discuss the importance of taking responsibility for their own needs and emotions. They explore the impact of attachm…
- 241 Attachment Wounds: When You Can't Work it out in the Moment
Attachment Wounds: When You Can't Work It Out In The Moment Patricia reflects on her attachment wounds & something that happened with Jen. She emphasizes that the issue was not a rupture in her relationship, but rather her own trauma and w…
- 240 Navigating Grief, Uncertainty & Travel Through the Lens of Attachment
Navigating Grief, Uncertainty & Travel Through the Lens of Attachment Patricia and Jen discuss navigating uncertainty and overwhelm, managing change and unexpected situations, balancing personal needs, the power of communication and valida…
- 239 Being "Too Much" is a Narrative that needs to be Re-examined
Being "Too Much" is a Narrative that needs to be Re-examined Summary Patricia discusses the wound of too muc h and how it can impact relationships. Too much is about BOTH people and the capacity of the other person. This is a narrative tha…
- 238 Learning to Trust Yourself and Finding Peace in Your Own Rhythm
Learning to Trust Yourself and Finding Peace in Your Own Rhythm Patricia discusses her experience when her husband is away. She shares her journey of managing attachment wounds, and the challenges of household responsibilities. Patricia al…
- 237 Unmasking & Authentic Communication: Navigating Differences in Relationships
Unmasking & Authentic Communication: Navigating Differences in Relationships Patricia and Jen discuss the challenges of unmasking and being authentic in relationships including the role of PDA (Pervasive Drive for Autonomy). They explore t…
- 236 Exploring Neurodivergence in Relationships: Understanding Unique Perspectives
Exploring Neurodivergence in Relationships: Understanding Unique Perspectives In this conversation, Patricia and Jen discuss their struggles with linear content and their values of focusing on relational topics. They explore the challenges…
- 235 Red & Green Flags in Relationships
Red & Green Flags in Relationships Patricia discusses red flags and ideal qualities in relationships. She emphasizes the importance of honoring rhythms and self-care, as well as effective communication and conflict resolution. Patricia als…
- 234 Navigating Miscommunication and Misunderstanding
Navigating Miscommunication and Misunderstanding Jen helps me process through a communication blip I had with my son. My husband & I have very different styles when talking to our boys, & I felt inadequate, and I sometimes struggle to attu…
- 233 Neurodivergence and Friendship: The Struggle is Real
Neurodivergence and Friendship: The Struggle is Real I talk about the challenges and complexities of friendships for neurodivergent folks, and the changing nature of friendships, the importance of reciprocity and communication. I discuss n…
- 232 The Importance of Rest & Learning to Receive & Ask for Help
The Importance of Rest & Learning to Receive & Ask for Help Patricia and Jen discuss their health updates and the challenges they have faced. They also delve into the pressure to be productive and the fear of not functioning. The conversat…
- 231 Autism Identification Should Come with a Warning Label (Including Autistic Burnout)
Autism Identification Should Come with a Warning Label (Including Autistic Burnout) There are things that happen to most autistic people once they identify as autistic, and there should be a warning label! If you're late diagnosed, and hig…