Season 6, Episode 12—Knowing Yourself with Clare Bowen
For our final episode of Season 6 we are thrilled to welcome Australian actor and vocalist Clare Bowen to the podcast, to chat with us about her experiences as an Autistic and ADHD woman.
Clare has been in a number of wonderful films, series, and theatre productions both here in Australia and internationally, with her most recognizable role being Scarlett O’Connor in the American TV series, NASHVILLE. Clare is also a globally touring musician, and she currently makes music with her husband, Brandon Robert Young, as the duo – BOWEN YOUNG. The soul mates split their time in a tear in the fabric of reality, between Nashville, Tennessee and Yuin Country, Australia.
This episode is a winding route through Clare’s experiences as a neurodivergent woman, from a childhood coloured by cancer treatment to working as an internationally acclaimed actor and musician, we cover a lot of ground!
Season 6, Episode 11: Dissociation with Dr Jamie Marich
This week on The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast, Monique dives into all things dissociation with Dr. Jamie Marich (she/they), a clinical trauma specialist, expressive artist, and recovery advocate. Jamie shares their expertise on dissociation—what it is, why it happens, and how it serves as an adaptive response to trauma. They also explore myths about dissociative conditions, the overlap between dissociation and neurodivergence, and the power of creative therapies in healing.
With their lived experience of dissociative identities and a passion for redefining therapy, Jamie offers profound insights into the nuances of dissociation, debunking harmful stereotypes and highlighting ways we can reduce stigma. Whether you’re a clinician, someone with lived experience, or simply curious to learn, this episode is rich with knowledge, compassion, and actionable takeaways.
Season 6, Episode 10: Self-Care with Dr Megan Anna Neff
Dr. Megan Anna Neff dives deep into self-care, exploring its importance for neurodivergent individuals navigating a predominantly neurotypical world. From redefining self-care as a way of being rather than a series of tasks, to discussing the nuanced challenges faced by neurodivergent parents and the unique needs of late-diagnosed individuals, Megan provides practical insights and compassionate strategies. With humour, vulnerability, and a wealth of expertise, she shares personal anecdotes—like the challenge of remembering what her ADHD accommodations are for—and offers frameworks to make self-care sustainable and meaningful.
Season 6, Episode 9: Special Interests and Creativity with Marie Masse
Marie is the creative genius behind pretty much everything here at TNDWP, except the actual episodes themselves, and is joining the conversation on special interests and creativity in this episode. We chat about her journey of discovering neurodivergence, the distinct ways special interests manifest in Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD brains, and the central role these interests play as an organising force for Autistic individuals, and even how special interests for neurotypical brains look. Marie also opens up about losing access to her special interest (her creative process) during a time of trauma and burnout, and how reclaiming her passion for story work has been an essential part of her healing.
Season 6 Episode 8: Gaming with Jess Rowlings
Today’s guest is Jess Rowlings, CEO and co-founder of Next Level Collaboration, speech and language therapist, and researcher with a passion for using digital games-based learning to promote inclusion and belonging. An adult-diagnosed AuDHDer and lifelong gamer, Jess shares how her personal and professional experiences shape her work, including creating a dedicated Minecraft server for neurodivergent girls and women.
In this episode, Monique and Jess dive into the role gaming plays in supporting neurodivergent individuals, from fostering collaboration and problem-solving to providing emotional regulation and connection. They explore gender dynamics in gaming, accessibility challenges for girls, women, and AFAB folk, and the evolving variety of gaming experiences. Jess also offers insights on balancing gaming with life activities, creating safer spaces, and valuing kids’ passion for gaming as a pathway to strength and belonging.
Season 6, Episode 7: Aging as an Autistic Person with Prof. Sandra Thom-Jones
In this insightful interview, Monique speaks with Professor Sandra Thom-Jones—an Autistic author, artisan, academic, and advocate—about navigating life as an Autistic person in later stages. They discuss the invisibility of older Autistic adults and the unique challenges they face, including menopause, healthcare needs, and retirement. Sandra encourages Autistic individuals to reject neuro-normative expectations and design a joyful life, sharing her gradual transition into retirement and the importance of rediscovering passions and building a “happy place” long before retirement arrives.
Season 6, Episode 6: Grooming with Anna Clarke
💬 "Grooming is subtle, insidious, and hard to pin down."
In this episode of The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast, Monique sits down with fellow psychologist Anna Clarke—a multiply neurodivergent EMDR and play therapist. Together, they dive into the complexities of grooming, breaking down its phases and exploring why neurodivergent, disabled, or previously traumatised individuals are often at higher risk.
Season 6, Episode 5: OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) with Penny Moodie
This week we speak with Penny Moodie about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Penny is a writer, OCD advocate, and mum of three little people. She is the author of ‘The Joy Thief: How OCD steals your happiness – and how to get it back’ and the co-creator the website soocd.com.au, which is packed with information on OCD and how to get support.
In this episode Penny very generously shares her personal experience with OCD, and she takes us through the ‘why’ of OCD and the strategies and treatment approaches she has found helpful.
Season 6, Episode 4: Grief and Loss with Liam Spicer
Monique interviews Liam Spicer (a neurodivergent psychologist and grief expert) about grief, loss and neurodivergence.
What is grief? What's prolonged grief? Is there such a thing as a ‘normal’ response to grief, and what are some common myths about grief?
We answer these questions and so much more, including different types of grief and loss, key factors for neurodivergent people and their supports to keep in mind when dealing with grief and loss, as well as personal experiences from both Monique and Liam.
Season 6, Episode 3: Working with Eating Disorders with Margo White
We are thrilled to interview Margo White on working with eating disorders in the neurodivergent population.
Margo is an accredited clinical nutritionist, a proudly neurodivergent AuDHDer, mother of two and founder of Whole Body Nutrition. She helps neurodivergent folk of all ages, genders and backgrounds to cultivate an emotionally healthy relationship with food—a relationship that understands and accepts that there are different ways of eating and that validates all sensory feeding differences. Margo draws from a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, and lived experience lens, and in this episode, we cover so many things from feeding and eating differences to comfort eating and burnout.
Season 6, Episode 2: Entrepreneurship & Neurodivergence with Dr Hayley Kelly
This episode with Dr Hayley Kelly is jammed with incredible insights on how to leverage your neurodivergent strengths as a business owner – it’s a must-listen for any ND folks thinking of launching themselves into the world of entrepreneurship and business ownership (or for those who are there already!).
Season 6, Episode 1: Being Childfree
In this episode, we discuss our personal experiences of being childfree and explore the societal narratives around motherhood.
We dive into the cultural, neurodivergent, and personal factors that influence the decision to remain childfree and how to find fulfillment outside of motherhood.