64. Keep It Simple: Practical Food & Nutrition Strategies for Neurodivergent Brains with Jackie Silver MHSc, RD

64. Keep It Simple: Practical Food & Nutrition Strategies for Neurodivergent Brains with Jackie Silver MHSc, RD

In this episode, host Sam sits down with Jackie Silver, RD, founder of Jackie Silver Nutrition, to discuss neurodiversity-affirming nutrition care for people with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent identities. Jackie shares her journey from working with Special Olympics athletes to building a specialized practice supporting neurodivergent clients across the lifespan. This conversation is packed with practical strategies, compassionate approaches, and real talk about making eating easier and less overwhelming. Key Topics Covered * Jackie's journey from Special Olympics nutrition to specializing in neurodivergent care * Common challenges: executive functioning barriers, sensory aversions, hunger/fullness recognition, digestive issues, and night eating patterns * Neurodiversity-affirming approach: respecting safe foods, no forced eating, weight-inclusive care * Practical meal planning strategies: the "list of five" method, paradox of choice, batch cooking, one-pot meals * Embracing convenience foods without shame and understanding how they can be a powerful tool for nourishment (including being nutrient dense!) * Gentle ways to add variety * The benefits of moving away from diet culture * How and why it is important to neutralize the language you use around food * Quick yet nourishing meal ideas Resources Mentioned * Blog: Free resources on neurodivergent nutrition topics [https://jackiesilvernutrition.com/blog/] * Free Download: Neurodivergent Grab and Go Food List (includes simple meal and snack ideas organized by food category) [https://jackiesilvernutrition.com/grab-and-go-foods-list/] Connect with Jackie Silver * Website: jackiesilvernutrition.com [https://jackiesilvernutrition.com/] * Instagram: @accessible.wellness [https://www.instagram.com/accessiblewellness/] Connect with Sam * Website: www.unmasked-nutrition.com [www.unmasked-nutrition.com] * Instagram: @sammib.nutrition [www.unmasked-nutrition.com] Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for individualized medical care from a registered dietitian or any other medical professional.

63. Rewriting the Scripts: Sex, Intimacy, and Neurodivergence with Angela Griffith

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Angela Griffith, "The Christian Sexpert," as we explore the intersection of sex, intimacy, and neurodivergence. Angela shares practical strategies for navigating neurodivergence in the bedroom, challenges harmful sexual scripts society has normalized, and explains why communication is the foundation of satisfying intimate relationships. Whether you're neurodivergent or neurotypical, this episode offers valuable insights for creating a more fulfilling sex life. Key Topics Covered * The 13 types of intimacy (sex is only one!) * Managing ADHD symptoms during sex * Practical sensory accommodations in the bedroom * Sexual scripts we need to unlearn * Conflict as a form of intimacy and the difference between fighting and healthy disagreement * How to start conversations about sex when it feels awkward * Receiving neutral feedback without taking it personally Connect with Angela Website: TheChristianSexpert.com [https://www.thechristiansexpert.com/] Social Media: @TheChristianSexpert (all platforms) Connect with Sam Website: www.unmasked-nutrition.com [www.unmasked-nutrition.com] Instagram: @sammib.nutrition [www.instagram.com/sammib.nutrition] Disclaimer: This podcast episode is for educational purposes only. This is not a replacement for nutrition counseling, medical nutrition therapy or any form of medical care from a licensed medical professional.

62. It's a Spectrum: Moving Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Autism Narratives with Sam Mitchell

In today's episode, Sam sits down with Sam Mitchell who shares his journey from people-pleasing teenager to successful podcast host and nonprofit leader. We dive deep into the misconceptions surrounding autism, the employment crisis facing the autistic community, and why representation matters. Sam opens up about his decision at age 16 that changed everything, the challenges of entrepreneurship as a neurodivergent person, and what he wishes people understood about the autism spectrum. Key Topics Discussed * The turning point at 16: How Sam stopped people-pleasing and found his authentic self * Autism Rocks and Rolls: Building a podcast and nonprofit from the ground up * Employment discrimination: Why 85% of autistic adults are unemployed and the rise of neurodivergent entrepreneurship * Language matters: The shift from "non-verbal" to "non-speaking" and why it's important * Media representation: What the new autism Barbie gets wrong (and what's missing from mainstream portrayals) * The spectrum reality: Breaking down the harmful stereotype that all autistic people are "mentally 3 years old" * Entrepreneurship challenges: Wearing all the hats, building a board, and maintaining structure as a neurodivergent business owner Connect with Sam Mitchell * Podcast: Autism Rocks and Rolls (available on all major podcast platforms) * Search tip: Look for "Autism Rocks and Rolls" (not just "Sam Mitchell" - there's a basketball player with the same name!) Connect with Sam (RD and Pod Host) * Want to work with Sam or a dietitian on her team? Click here [www.unmasked-nutrition.com] * Website: www.unmasked-nutrition.com [www.unmasked-nutrition.com] * Instagram: @sammib.nutrition [www.instagram.com/sammib.nutrition] Disclaimer: this episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian or medical care provided by a licensed medical provider.

61. Breaking the Silence: Living Authentically with Bipolar and ADHD with Laura Schiller

In this episode, Sam sits down with former attorney and mom of three Laura Schiller who shares her unexpected journey from a mental hospital to writing a memoir. She discusses living with bipolar disorder and ADHD, breaking free from perfectionism, and why she's choosing to be "loud and proud" about mental health. Topics Covered * Unexpected mental health crisis and the difficult process of accepting a bipolar disorder diagnosis * What it looks like to be living a stable life with bipolar disorder (4 years and counting) * Busting myths about bipolar disorder * How her ADHD diagnosis changed everything * Breaking the comparison trap and social media perfectionism * Writing "Finding Flos" while managing ADHD * Why everyone has their hard, and why finding community and sharing matters Connect with Laura: * Facebook: Laura Greenberg Schiller [https://www.facebook.com/laura.schiller] * Instagram: @findingflawsome [https://www.instagram.com/findingflawsome/] * Book release: Spring 2026 Connect with Sam: * Website: www.unmasked-nutrition.com [www.unmasked-nutrition.com] * Instagram: @sammib.nutrition [www.instagram.com/sammib.nutrition] Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for nutrition counseling/medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian or any medical care provided by any other medical professional.

60. Beyond Fight or Flight: The Hidden Responses That Shape Our Daily Lives with Stephanie Ford, OT

In this episode, Sam sits down with occupational therapist Stephanie Ford to explore how understanding our unique processing styles can transform the way we navigate daily life. Stephanie breaks down the intricate connections between sensory processing, emotional awareness, and nervous system responses, and why behavior is never just one thing. Key Topics Covered: * How occupational therapy's whole-person approach reveals the "why" behind behaviors * The critical connection between sensory processing and emotional regulation * Understanding all four nervous system responses: fight, flight, freeze, AND fawn * Why the fawn response is particularly common in people who mask (especially women with ADHD/autism) * How our tolerance levels shift based on sleep, nutrition, stress, and daily experiences * Practical regulation strategies that actually work in real-world situations * The power of habit stacking and external prompts for remembering coping tools * Why asking "why?" with compassion changes everything Connect with Stephanie Ford: * Website: Action Forward [https://actionforward.com.au/] * Facebook: @stephanieford.actionforward [https://www.facebook.com/stephanieford.actionforward/] * Instagram: @stephanieford_actionforward [https://www.instagram.com/stephanieford_actionforward?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Connect with Sam: * Work with a neuro-affirming dietitian on the Unmasked Nutrition team! [www.unmasked-nutrition.com] * Website: www.unmasked-nutrition.com [www.unmasked-nutrition.com] * Instagram: @sammib.nutrition [www.instagram.com/sammib.nutrition] Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for nutrition counseling/medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian or any other medical services provided by any other medical provider.