The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Shawnee's Story of Resilience and Growth

54min | 06/25/2025|

70

Description

Shawnee spent years feeling out of sync with the world, grappling with the sense of always being on the outskirts of conversations. It wasn't until her dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD later in life that the pieces of her life's puzzle began to fit. Join us as Shawnee opens up about the whirlwind journey to her diagnosis, how she navigates the dual complexities of autism and ADHD, and the profound sense of understanding it brought her. She shares how her busy brain finds solace through journaling, exercise, and a balanced diet, weaving hope into the challenges of her daily life.

In a candid conversation, Shawnee dismantles the myth of ADHD as a "superpower" and shares her personal insight into the stigma and misinformation that surround these conditions. We explore the sharp focus that ADHD can bring to topics of interest and the struggle to maintain concentration elsewhere. Shawnee's story shines a light on the importance of perspective, the reality of managing sensory issues, and the strategies she's developed to cope — from earplugs to noise-cancelling headphones.

Shawnee's passion for podcasting becomes a beacon of personal growth and social connection, serving as a creative outlet and a bridge out of isolation. Her reflections on loss, mortality, and stepping outside her comfort zone offer a deeply personal look into her world. From the heartbreak of losing loved ones to cancer and suicide to the resilience found in European travels and confronting existential thoughts, Shawnee's journey is a testament to embracing life's challenges and continuously seeking positive experiences.

The diagnosis gave me an answer for many things that I'd been questioning. But actually what I didn't anticipate was that it would give me more questions as well." Shawnee on her dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD.

Resoureces:

Contact me:

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid Miles Podcasts

Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter.

Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations.

The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance.

The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard.

Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid Miles Podcasts

Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter.

Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations.

The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance.

The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard.

Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

Shawnee spent years feeling out of sync with the world, grappling with the sense of always being on the outskirts of conversations. It wasn't until her dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD later in life that the pieces of her life's puzzle began to fit. Join us as Shawnee opens up about the whirlwind journey to her diagnosis, how she navigates the dual complexities of autism and ADHD, and the profound sense of understanding it brought her. She shares how her busy brain finds solace through journaling, exercise, and a balanced diet, weaving hope into the challenges of her daily life.

In a candid conversation, Shawnee dismantles the myth of ADHD as a "superpower" and shares her personal insight into the stigma and misinformation that surround these conditions. We explore the sharp focus that ADHD can bring to topics of interest and the struggle to maintain concentration elsewhere. Shawnee's story shines a light on the importance of perspective, the reality of managing sensory issues, and the strategies she's developed to cope — from earplugs to noise-cancelling headphones.

Shawnee's passion for podcasting becomes a beacon of personal growth and social connection, serving as a creative outlet and a bridge out of isolation. Her reflections on loss, mortality, and stepping outside her comfort zone offer a deeply personal look into her world. From the heartbreak of losing loved ones to cancer and suicide to the resilience found in European travels and confronting existential thoughts, Shawnee's journey is a testament to embracing life's challenges and continuously seeking positive experiences.

The diagnosis gave me an answer for many things that I'd been questioning. But actually what I didn't anticipate was that it would give me more questions as well." Shawnee on her dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD.

Resoureces:

Contact me:

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid Miles Podcasts

Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter.

Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations.

The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance.

The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard.

Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid Miles Podcasts

Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter.

Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations.

The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance.

The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard.

Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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