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 it’s not always as simple as “just doing it” and how to navigate our own unique brain wiring to actually get things done.

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 brains can truly appreciate. It’s a laid-back chat for anyone who’s ever stared down a deadline and wondered, “Is this a motivator or just plain stress?” Tune in for insights, laughs, and a few techniques to help make deadlines work with you, not against you!

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.