In this compelling episode of WTAFJH, we delve into the intricate connections between neurodivergence, trauma, and mental health. Topics include:

• Therapy as a Personal Journey: The importance of finding a therapist who aligns with your unique needs and experiences.
• PTSD and Rebuilding Self-Trust: How gaslighting and past trauma can make trusting yourself and your body an uphill battle.
• The Neurodivergent Experience: Honest conversations about living with neurodivergence, the challenges of emotional regulation, and the pressures of societal expectations.
• Trauma and Chronic Stress: Insights into how prolonged stress impacts neurodivergent brains, leading to heightened responses and adaptation to high-stress environments.
• Pain Perception Differences: Why neurodivergent individuals may experience pain differently, stemming from invalidation and trauma.
• Breaking Free from Hustle Culture: Sarai shares a personal story about navigating Bell’s palsy, embracing vulnerability, and rejecting toxic productivity.
• Key Takeaways:
• Focus on setting intentions instead of rigid resolutions and recognize that your achievements are enough.
• Seek out a supportive community that embraces you for who you are.
• Embrace moments of light and healing after navigating the darkness of trauma.

Tune in for an episode filled with raw, honest reflections and practical insights on healing, neurodiversity, and building a life rooted in self-trust and authenticity.

Listen now and don't forget to subscribe to WTAFJH for more conversations on navigating mental health and neurodivergence!

In this deeply personal episode, Sarai and Meg dive into the complex world of setting boundaries, particularly with family members. They discuss the emotional struggles that arise when trying to establish limits with parents, and the challenges of navigating family dynamics while also caring for oneself. From people-pleasing habits shaped by past trauma to the ongoing work of reprogramming our nervous systems for healthier relationships, this episode offers a candid conversation about the difficulties of boundary-setting, and how growth and support from friends can make all the difference.

Key Topics:
● The emotional struggle of setting boundaries with parents, especially in the context of trauma and neurodiversity.
● The role of people-pleasing behaviors and how they are rooted in past experiences.
● Real-life examples of how boundaries were tested and the courage needed to stick with them.
● Communicating clearly and navigating the guilt that often arises when asserting boundaries.
● The impact of past trauma on our ability to set healthy boundaries and protect our emotional well-being.
● The importance of support systems and having friends who celebrate and acknowledge boundary victories.
● The concept of "taking 50% responsibility" in relationships and understanding that we can't control other people's reactions.
● Practical advice for starting small when it comes to boundary-setting and gradually building confidence in saying "no."

• Mentioned in the Episode:

● Tiffany Roe (therapist, on the topic of setting boundaries with people who have never experienced them before) www.tiffanyroe.com

Resources:
● Link to therapy resources or books about boundary-setting (optional).
● Meg’s coaching services or personal blog (optional).

• Support the Podcast:
• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Your feedback helps us reach more people who are navigating the challenges of building healthier relationships.
• Follow Us:
• Instagram: @wtafjh_podcast

In this empowering episode, of What the Actual F** Just Happened* we dive deep into the importance of women taking charge of their health and advocating for themselves. With honest conversations and personal experiences, we shed light on the unique challenges women face when dealing with reproductive health, often dismissed or misunderstood due to male-centred medical standards.

Meg shares her personal story of discovering and navigating life with a prolapsed uterus at just 37. She opens up about her journey, from recognizing something felt “off” to advocating for herself and receiving proper care, despite initial discomfort and challenges.

The episode also explores topics like PMDD, pap smears and the lack of education surrounding cervical and reproductive health.

We encourage listeners to:

• Phrase symptoms as questions to prompt better inquiry.
• Ask AI for medical keywords to improve communication with doctors.
• Demand better healthcare for themselves and prioritise their well-being.
• Resources Mentioned:
• PMDD https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/preme nstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/what-is-pmdd/
• Connect with Us:
• Instagram: @wtafjh_podcast
• TikTok @wtafjh_podcast
• Rate & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review! Your support helps us continue creating impactful conversations that empower.
Thank you for joining this candid and crucial conversation. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and share this episode with the women in your life who need to hear it!

In this feral and heartfelt episode of "What the Actual Fuck Just Happened," Meg and Sarai spill all the tea about their incredible experience at the Rainbow Convention—a magical gathering where authenticity was the only rule. From celebrating differences to embracing community, they explore the beauty of finding your tribe in a world that often doesn't understand with their special guest Preston.

What’s Inside the Feral Fun:
● Convention Highlights: Join Meg, Sarai, and their fabulous guest Preston as they share hilarious and poignant highlights from the Rainbow Convention—where love, acceptance, and creativity thrived.
● Breaking Down Barriers: Hear Preston’s inspiring journey as they advocate for accessibility in the beauty industry, highlighting the importance of inclusive spaces—like the convention's ramped stage!
● Finding Your "Weirdo" Family: Experience the joy of discovering a community where everyone is celebrated for their quirks, and laughter and support flow freely.
● Winning Isn't Everything—But It Feels Damn Good! Listen as Preston shares the surreal experience of winning an award, and the even greater joy of cheering on friends during their victories.
● Spreading Kindness and Connection: This episode finishes with a heartfelt reminder: let’s carry the understanding and acceptance we found at the Rainbow Convention into our everyday lives!

Guest Contact Information:

• Preston Instagram: @PrestonTheArtist
• Advocacy Page: @DisabledAndDetermined

This episode is a great reminder that in a world trying to box us in, the magic happens when we break free, embrace our feral sides, and truly connect with one another. Grab your favorite drink and immerse yourself in the friendship and empowerment that only comes from being your authentic self!

Feel free to join the conversation and share your stories about finding community and acceptance—let's keep this positive vibe rolling!
Follow us on IG at @wtafjh_podcast

In this episode, Sarai and Meg dive deep into the challenges of navigating today’s fast-paced, information-saturated world. From the constant pressures of social media to the pitfalls of hustle culture, they discuss the shift toward a simpler, more mindful lifestyle. Meg shares frustrations with the wellness industry’s paradox of promoting both body positivity and weight loss, touching on the toxicity of diet culture and its impact on self-image. Sarai opens up about her journey to body acceptance, explaining how rejecting narrow beauty standards has brought her peace.

Together, they discuss the difficulty of managing relationships, especially with people they find draining or challenging, and share personal strategies for setting boundaries and finding safe spaces to process their emotions. Sarai and Meg’s honesty, humour, and vulnerability shine through as they tackle tough topics, offering validation and insight for anyone feeling the weight of today’s societal pressures.

Key Takeaways

1. Managing Information Overload: How to balance social media consumption and protect mental health.
2. Rejecting Hustle Culture: Why many are seeking simplicity and turning away from the relentless drive for productivity.
3. Body Acceptance vs. Diet Culture: Understanding the complexities of body image, the toxicity of societal beauty standards, and how gender influences these pressures.
4. Boundary Setting in Relationships: Tips for navigating relationships with difficult people while maintaining honesty and authenticity.
5. Venting vs. Complaining: The importance of having a supportive space to share without spiralling into negativity.

In this episode, Sarai, Meg, and their guest Brittlyn have a candid and wide-ranging discussion on life in Florida, hurricane preparedness, and the beauty industry. Brittlyn shares her experiences as a Florida native and esthetician, shedding light on the often-overlooked mental health and business challenges within the beauty profession. The conversation takes humorous turns as the trio discusses local slang, the notorious "Florida Man," and wild encounters with alligators. They also dive into heavier topics such as raising children in a politically charged climate, the dangers of natural disasters, and their upcoming retreat plans.

Key Discussions:

- Florida Stereotypes & Hurricane Experiences: The group discusses the common stereotypes surrounding Florida, with Brittlyn offering her perspective as a native Floridian. They explore how hurricanes impact the region, contrasting them with tornadoes and sharing their own harrowing experiences.

- Alligator Sightings: Sarai shares a funny story about alligators in a pool, while Brittlyn explains how common it is to see alligators after big storms in Florida.

- Retreat Plans & Florida Man Stories: The hosts share plans for an upcoming New Year retreat in Florida and exchange amusing "Florida Man" stories, including bizarre incidents involving mini-golf and criminal activity.

- Hurricane Preparedness: Brittlyn shares practical tips on preparing for hurricanes, comparing it to a camping trip, and stresses the importance of stocking up on essential supplies, especially for kids.

- Parenting in Florida: The conversation shifts to raising children in Florida’s challenging political climate. Brittlyn discusses her concerns about raising a biracial family, while Sarai and Meg express awe at her resilience in managing three young kids.

- Social and Political Climate: The episode closes with a discussion about political tensions in the U.S., the team's thoughts on neighbor interactions, and the controversies surrounding yard signs and hurricane conspiracy theories.

Resources Mentioned:
Find Brittlyn on Instagram @dermaminded

Like, review and share our podcast. And come on over to Instagram and share your WHAT THE ACTUAL F*CK JUST HAPPENED moments @wtafjh_podcast.

Buckle up, folks! In this hilarious, no-holds-barred episode, Meg and Sarai spill all the tea on the absolute chaos of being human—especially a woman—in a world where the patriarchy sucks the life out of everything fun. From our struggles with authenticity, neurodivergence, and realising we’re not 20 anymore (cue the crying baby on a flight). We delve deep into what we are no longer willing to accept in life anymore. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of not giving a damn.

What’s Inside the Chaos:
● The Patriarchy is Trash: Meg & Sarai’s unfiltered reflections on how society and the patriarchy have messed with their views, behaviors, and ability to be their authentic selves.
● Worst Part About Being Human?: If you’ve ever wondered if the world would be better off without people, you’re not alone.
● Superpowers, Assemble!: Forget flying and invisibility—Meg and Sarai discuss the superpowers that keep them going in a world designed to drain the life out of you.
● When Your Guest Bails... Bring Out the Cards: So, the planned guest fell through. What do Meg and Sarai do? Whip out the Delve Deck and ask each other deep life questions while completely dodging small talk.
● Neurodivergence & Big Feelings: Being neurodivergent is hard, especially when you're expected to fit into society’s neat little boxes.

Resources- Delve Deck (by BOREDWALK), conversation starters for every situation, from getting to know new friends to bonding with your closest confidants.

In this heartfelt episode, Meg Long shares a powerful story about a time when she faced public bullying from fellow stylists on social media. As other local stylists joined in, Meg reflects on the painful experience and how it shaped her understanding of true belonging versus the desire to fit in. She criticizes the lack of compassion in the industry, particularly within British culture, and emphasizes the importance of empathy.

Sarai and Meg dive into the complexities of mirroring behaviors, often misunderstood in neurotypical society but serving as a vital coping mechanism for neurodivergent individuals. They discuss how these behaviors can foster connection yet also lead to accusations of being a copycat. Through personal stories—including Meg’s experience being bullied for wearing rainbow satin dungarees at age 13—they explore how these experiences shape our core beliefs and self-esteem.

Meg also shares her journey in the hair industry, detailing the bullying and gaslighting she faced in a small-town setting. Despite these challenges, she reflects on the supportive friendships she has found in the Balanced Stylist Society community and wishes healing for those who mistreated her.

Key Topics:

• Personal experience with social media bullying
• The difference between fitting in and true belonging
• The role of empathy and compassion in social interactions
• Understanding mirroring behaviors in neurodivergent individuals
• The impact of childhood bullying on adult self-perception
• Healing and finding support in community

Resources Mentioned:

• Balanced Stylist Society https://platinumgiraffe.com/balanced-stylist-society

Call to Action:
If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who may benefit from this discussion. Join us in fostering a more compassionate community @wtafjh_podcast

Connect with Us:

• Sarai @theplatunimgiraffe
• Meg @colouringonthespectrum