Even Tacos Fall Apart

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating ADHD, ASD, or just looking for practical, real-life strategies to build better habits and make life a little easier every day.

Resources, info & ways to connect: https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/jeremy-nagel

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire interviews Jeremy Nagel, a software developer and entrepreneur who has been diagnosed with both ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). The conversation dives into Jeremy's experiences navigating life with these neurodiverse conditions and the strategies he has developed to manage the challenges they present.

Jeremy begins by discussing his journey toward understanding his neurodiversity. Diagnosed with ADHD in his late twenties and ASD later on, Jeremy reflects on how these diagnoses provided clarity about many of his life experiences, particularly his struggles with focus, social interactions, and managing daily tasks. He emphasizes that while both conditions come with challenges, they also bring unique strengths, such as his ability to hyper-focus and his deep interest in niche topics.

A significant portion of the discussion is devoted to the concept of habit stacking, a technique Jeremy uses to create and maintain productive routines. Habit stacking involves linking new habits to existing ones, making it easier to establish and sustain them. For example, Jeremy explains how he pairs his morning coffee ritual with reviewing his daily to-do list, helping him set a clear intention for the day. He notes that habit stacking has been particularly effective for him because it reduces the cognitive load required to build new habits—a crucial benefit for someone with ADHD.

Jeremy also shares his insights on the importance of self-compassion and understanding in managing ADHD and ASD. He talks about the tendency for folks with ADHD to be hard on themselves when they struggle with tasks that seem easy for others, like maintaining focus or staying organized. He stresses that recognizing these difficulties as part of the condition, rather than personal failings, is key to developing effective coping strategies.

The conversation touches on the overlap between ADHD and ASD, particularly in how both conditions can impact social interactions. Jeremy recounts experiences where his ASD made it challenging to pick up on social cues, leading to misunderstandings or feelings of isolation. However, he also highlights how understanding his neurodiversity has allowed him to navigate these situations with more confidence and less self-criticism.

Towards the end of the interview, Jeremy discusses the role of technology in managing ADHD and ASD. He shares how tools like task management apps and time-blocking software have helped him stay on track and manage his workload more effectively. However, he cautions against over-reliance on technology, emphasizing the importance of balancing digital tools with offline strategies, such as mindfulness and physical exercise.

Jeremy offers this advice for others living with ADHD and ASD: embrace your neurodiversity, experiment with different strategies until you find what works for you, and most importantly, be kind to yourself in the process. This conversation leaves listeners with a message of hope, reminding them that while neurodiversity can present challenges, it also comes with unique strengths that can be harnessed to lead a fulfilling and successful life.

If you've ever felt stuck in grief, trauma, or stress and are curious about how hypnotherapy could help you unlock your inner strength, this episode with Deborah LeBlanc is for you.

More info, resources & ways to connect: https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/deborah-leblanc

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire interviews Deborah LeBlanc, a certified clinical hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner, to discuss the power of hypnotherapy and overcoming adversity. Deborah shares her extensive background, which includes working as the first female executive vice president in fuel transportation and starting her own logistics company before a series of personal tragedies led her to reevaluate her life. She endured the loss of her father, granddaughter, and two daughters in a short period. This profound grief ultimately pushed her to leave the corporate world and seek new meaning, leading her to hypnotherapy through a serendipitous Google search.

Deborah explains her journey into becoming a certified clinical hypnotherapist and obtaining a degree in mind-body psychology. Through her personal experiences with loss and trauma, she found healing in hypnotherapy and now helps others overcome debilitating limiting beliefs. She emphasizes that hypnotherapy is not mind control, as often portrayed in media, but a therapeutic process that helps individuals access their subconscious minds to facilitate personal healing.

During the interview, Deborah outlines the differences between hypnotherapy, stage hypnosis, and entertainment hypnosis. She makes clear that hypnotherapy requires a professional understanding of a client's mental health and personal struggles, contrasting it with the misconceptions surrounding hypnosis in popular culture. Deborah also details her process of writing custom hypnotherapy scripts tailored to individual clients based on their unique situations. She uses techniques like therapeutic imagery and chakra light therapy, which incorporate visual storytelling to help clients relax and address specific mental health challenges.

Deborah shares her thoughts on grief, explaining how it has shaped her perspective on life. She describes how, after experiencing so much loss, she needed time to mourn in her own way before seeking professional help through antidepressants, which eventually helped her climb out of depression. Deborah advises those dealing with grief to practice self-care by doing even the smallest acts, like showering, for the people they’ve lost, emphasizing the importance of taking steps to stay healthy.

Throughout the interview, Deborah highlights the importance of mental health awareness and reducing stigma. She encourages listeners to view mental illness as they would any other illness, such as diabetes or cancer, underscoring that mental health issues are real and treatable.

Deborah talking about the various conditions hypnotherapy can help treat, from phobias and anxiety to smoking cessation and nail-biting. She also introduces her new book, "Make Shit Happen," covering topics such as unleashing personal power, decluttering life, and improving memory. Her message is one of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of hypnotherapy for those willing to engage in the process of healing.

Unlock the secrets to thriving in relationships! A must-listen for couples, engaged partners, and anyone interested in exploring the transformative power of different types of couples therapy.

Thank you so much for listening - be sure to like/review/rate/subscribe on your favorite podcast platform - any support is super helpful!

In this episode of "Even Tacos Fall Apart," I engage in a candid and insightful conversation with Carissa Lataillade, a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT). The discussion delves into her personal journey, experiences in couples therapy and transition into becoming a therapist.

The conversation begins with Carissa sharing her initial hesitation about becoming a therapist, as she struggled with societal expectations and her own doubts. She candidly admits that she had reservations about the field, but ultimately embraced it as a calling, recognizing the importance of mental health and therapy.

Carissa shares her experiences in couples therapy and emphasizes that the therapist is not there to "save" a relationship. Instead, she sees herself as a guide, offering support and tools for couples to navigate their own path. The goal is to empower individuals to make decisions that align with their values and desires, rather than relying on the therapist to make decisions for them.

Throughout the conversation, Carissa emphasizes the significance of communication and compromise in relationships. She stresses the importance of finding a balance between personal time and time invested in a relationship or family. She also highlights the value of seeking support from friends and peers who can relate to one's experiences, especially during challenging times like divorce.

The episode also explores Carissa's journey to becoming a therapist, which she humorously describes as a winding road. From contemplating a career in law or accounting to discovering her passion for therapy, she shares her struggles and triumphs in pursuing her dream profession. She navigated the challenges of schooling and internships, especially during the pandemic, and eventually found herself becoming a better therapist as a result.

As a therapist, Carissa emphasizes the importance of self-care for mental health professionals. She acknowledges that therapy can be emotionally draining, and therapists must prioritize their own well-being to provide the best care for their clients. Carissa shares her personal experience with mental health care, advocating for therapists to seek support when needed and take time off when necessary.

Throughout the episode, Carissa's engaging and down-to-earth personality shines through, making her insights relatable and approachable. She shares stories from her own life, including struggles with procrastination and self-discovery, which further humanizes her as a therapist and person.

This episode offers a glimpse into the world of couples therapy and the journey of a therapist. Carissa's passion for her work is evident, and her insights provide valuable lessons for both professionals and individuals seeking to improve their relationships and mental well-being. From debunking misconceptions about therapy to emphasizing the importance of self-care, her wisdom and warmth make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, relationships or the path to becoming a therapist!

More about Carissa: https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/carissa-lataillade

Short bio: Carissa is a Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist and a Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She is passionate about empowering individuals and couples to be their best selves and to thrive. Carissa has an eclectic approach, utilizing various theoretical approaches, real-life experience, and authenticity to develop meaningful connections with clients.

Unveiling the journey of resilience: This episode is a must-listen for adult survivors of childhood abuse, their supporters, and anyone seeking insight into the transformative power of healing and understanding.

In this episode, MommaFoxFire talks with Heather Schulien about Emotional Struggles in Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse. Thank you so much for listening - be sure to like/review/rate/subscribe on your favorite podcast platform - any support is super helpful!

In this deeply insightful podcast episode, I am joined by Heather Schulien as she sheds light on the emotional struggles faced by adult survivors of childhood abuse. The conversation delves into the unique challenges folks encounter and offers practical tools and strategies for healing and self-empowerment.

We begin by acknowledging the emotional toll that childhood abuse can have on survivors and emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help. Recognizing that therapy may not always be accessible to everyone, Heather points out alternative resources, such as educational videos and books by experts.

A significant topic we explore in this discussion is the impact of childhood abuse on self-worth and self-perception. Adult survivors often grapple with feelings of inadequacy and negative self-image, which can hinder their emotional growth and interpersonal relationships. Heather shares an empowering exercise called "Roses and Thorns," a family exercise that fosters open communication and emotional intelligence among family members, helping survivors regain their self-worth and build healthier relationships.

Our conversation shifts to the vital role of self-compassion and self-care in the healing process. Heather emphasizes prioritizing well-being and seeking support from others. We encourage survivors to jot down their worries and tasks before bedtime to prevent intrusive thoughts, fostering a more restful sleep. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises and guided meditation, are also something that can combat anxiety and promote emotional well-being.

This episode touches on the pervasive misconception that individuals should handle their emotional struggles alone. We challenge this belief and urge survivors to seek help, whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends and family. Understanding that it is okay to ask for assistance is essential for healing and growth.

We wrap up our conversation together by exploring the concept of perfectionism, which often plagues survivors of childhood abuse. Heather emphasizes that striving for perfection is unrealistic and unattainable, leading to further emotional distress. Instead, embracing imperfections and acknowledging one's accomplishments can help survivors build resilience and cultivate a more positive self-image.

Throughout the episode, Heather compassionately addresses the unique challenges faced by adult survivors of childhood abuse. She offers practical tools and techniques to help survivors navigate their emotional struggles and embark on a journey of healing and self-empowerment. This conversation serves as an empowering reminder that seeking support and practicing self-compassion are essential steps towards reclaiming emotional well-being and finding inner strength.

More about Heather: https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/heather-schulien

Short bio: Heather Schulien is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two decades of experience providing mental health care to adults, children, and veterans in Chicago, IL. She earned a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Child Development from Erikson Institute and a Master of Social Work (MSW) concurrently. In addition to running her therapy private practice, she serves on the DEI committee of the National Association of Social Workers-Illinois Chapter. Her specialties include adult survivors of childhood trauma, adoption, anxiety, academic planning, career planning, child development, and depression.

If you're looking to understand how storytelling can help you connect, heal and communicate more effectively in your everyday life, this episode with Darius Wallace is one you won’t want to miss.

More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/darius-wallace

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire interviews Darius Wallace, an actor, TEDx coach and practitioner of Tai Chi and Qigong. The conversation focuses on the power of communication through storytelling and how it intersects with mental health, wellbeing and personal growth.

Darius shares his background, including growing up in Flint, Michigan, during the economic decline caused by General Motors' plant closures. He reflects on his difficult childhood, including involvement in a street gang, which changed course after a life-altering intervention by his vice principal. This intervention introduced him to theater, and he learned the power of storytelling as an actor. Through storytelling, Darius discovered a way to connect with others, develop self-expression, and overcome his struggles with anxiety, depression and limiting beliefs.

The discussion shifts to how storytelling helps people heal by allowing them to take ownership of their narratives. Darius explains that storytelling isn’t just about entertaining—it’s a method of self-reflection and transformation that can release emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve mental wellbeing. Drawing from his experience as a coach, Darius describes how he has helped others develop their speaking and storytelling skills to improve their communication. He provides a framework called the “five P’s” for telling an impactful story: purpose, person, place, problem and payoff.

The conversation also touches on Darius’ work in teaching public speaking and communication. As a TEDx Memphis coach for several years, Darius discusses how he helps speakers find confidence and craft compelling presentations. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and emotional connection in public speaking, encouraging people to share their stories and build empathy with their audience.

Darius shares his personal journey with mental health, including a dark period in his life when storytelling became a therapeutic outlet. He recalls how performing the role of Mark Antony in Julius Caesar helped him release his depression and anxiety. This experience deepened his understanding of how storytelling not only benefits an audience but also transforms the storyteller by externalizing emotions and experiences.

Throughout the interview, Darius emphasizes that storytelling can benefit everyone, even those who may not consider themselves natural storytellers. He explains that by sharing stories, people can foster emotional connection, engage with others on a deeper level, and even shift their own perspectives. In a professional context, storytelling is also a powerful tool for persuasive communication, helping individuals convey their ideas in a more compelling way.

The episode wraps up with advice from Darius on how to develop storytelling skills, with a focus on authenticity and emotional honesty. He encourages listeners to create a “story bank” by collecting personal experiences and learning from others' stories, emphasizing that anyone can benefit from storytelling, whether they are performing on stage or simply having a conversation with a loved one.