Struggle Care

This is a lighthearted episode–because we all can use a break from all the heaviness around us. I’m welcoming Caroline, “The Niche Tea Lady,” to the show. Join us! Show Highlights: Understanding “niche tea” Caroline’s favorite story of niche tea: the amazing tale of two birders The biggest plot twist in a niche tea deep dive Memorable niche tea surprise endings Pyramids, video games, and the nuances of content creation Everyone loves an underdog story! “Discords” and weirdo behavior The funniest niche tea in Caroline’s experience: a published back-and-forth between two high-level academics The most viral niche tea stories in Caroline’s experience: birding and beekeeping Resources and Links: Connect with Caroline: TikTok, X, Instagram, and YouTube Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social anxiety is an interesting topic. Natasha Daniels is a social anxiety therapist and mom who joined us recently to discuss OCD and kids; today, we are exploring another form of anxiety as Natasha helps us understand social anxiety. She wrote a memoir, Out of My Shell, detailing her personal experience.  Show Highlights: Natasha’s background, personal experience, and book about social anxiety The neuro-divergent affirming movement The difference between social anxiety and introversion Do we ALL have some degree of social anxiety? Thoughts on “bed rot,” social anxiety, and what’s “normal” Social anxiety as a defense mechanism The isolation that comes with social anxiety OCD, social anxiety, and autism—a common connection? “A paralyzing fear of others’ perceptions and a preoccupation with managing those perceptions” The difference between a defense mechanism and a personality trait An overview of Natasha’s experience with social anxiety and why she wrote her book Social anxiety is NOT a self-esteem issue. Outsmarting the negative critic in your head Dr. Kristin Neff’s concept of “fierce self-compassion,” which is “a feistiness of advocacy” Resources and Links: Future Fans:Helping little kids become BIG fans Connect with Natasha Daniels: Website (and book) and Instagram Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s topic carries a degree of sensitivity, so consider this a trigger warning if you are sensitive to discussions about sexual assault and sexual harassment. Our focus is on how universities and workplaces are dealing with these issues–and how they can do it better. My guest is Nicole Bedera, a sociologist and author with a Ph.D. Her upcoming debut book is On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Predators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence. Show Highlights: Nicole’s background as a victim advocate in the criminal justice system College as the entry point into an adulthood of privilege for perpetrators of violence The biggest challenges for universities regarding sexual violence Title IX: where it all began in 1980 Punishing perpetrators AND meeting the needs of survivors—can we do both? Power, punishment, and consequences Nicole’s surprise when she dug deeper into sexual assault cases The myth: Sexual violence only happens from evil men. White supremacy history and sexual assault Barriers to justice and societal norms The truth: Perpetrators rarely change their behavior. The research shows that a lot of men will stop perpetrating IF they know there will be negative consequences. There is little accountability on college campuses for perpetrators. The need to create safe spaces for survivors over perpetrators The Brett Kavanaugh scenario What we CAN fix to have huge ripple effects Resources and Links: Connect with Dr. Nicole Bedera: Website, Twitter, and On the Wrong Side book Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if our cities were designed with children participating in the process? What they would prioritize might surprise us all! My guest, Mara Mintzer, did a TEDx talk on the topic of including children in the city planning process, and she’s been involved in this kind of unique child-friendly endeavor in Boulder, Colorado, as the co-founder and Executive Director of Growing Up Boulder. Join us as we take a look at this topic! Show Highlights: Mara’s background and current role in Boulder, CO Public spaces aren’t often designed for children (and mothers). The United Nations guidelines for human rights for those under 18 years of age Wisdom from the tiniest voices about slowing down, enjoying the world around us, and noticing our experiences on life’s journey The Nature Everywhere Initiative in cities across the US Are we supporting kids’ development with our public spaces? The value in having culturally relevant third spaces for kids What would a teen-friendly park look like? Hearing the voices of many diverse groups that have been traditionally excluded Feedback from people about what they want in their communities Promoting involvement from kids to understand their issues and craft workable solutions A few unexpected things that kids want in their spaces The dilemma for parents in kid-friendly restaurants with “adult food” AND “kid food” More relaxed parenting in other countries and better work-life balance Resources and Links: Connect with Mara Mintzer: Growing Up Boulder Mentioned in this episode: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Returning to school as a neurodivergent adult brings unique challenges, and we are discussing all aspects of this topic in today’s episode. I’m joined by “The Neuro-Spicy Student,” Amber, to share her experience and perspective on this topic. Join us! Show Highlights: Amber’s “alphabet soup” of diagnoses, misdiagnoses, and disabilities Amber’s childhood experience in school Two sides of the coin for most neurodivergent students Amber’s story of multiple attempts at college and (finally) earning multiple degrees Internal barriers in returning to school as an adult A common experience for adults with ADHD: Learning and learning and learning—without formal degrees to show for it Differences in going to school as an older student with accommodations Finding empowerment in advocating for yourself–and healing your younger self Specific accommodations you can ask for in college Amber’s parting words for listeners considering a return to school Resources and Links: Connect with Amber: LinkedIn Explore more from The Neuro-Spicy Student: Linktree Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices