Sheldon Gay

I Must Be BUG'N

Health EN ↓ 46 episodes

Does the world seem like it's dragging along at a different pace? Do you constantly feel like you're the only one who notices "the emperor has no clothes"? Were you constantly teased or shamed for not conforming to what's "normal"? Do you wish you had accommodations for your needs that others readily received? If that sounds all too familiar, you might be BUGN (Black Underrepresented/Unidentified Gifted and otherwise Neurodivergent). This is a podcast primarily for Black gifted and otherwise neurodivergent people to learn about and discuss our unique experiences. I'm also here to create a safe...

Author

Sheldon Gay

Category

Health

Podcast website

shows.acast.com

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

Black, Autistic and Resilient 09.07.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/s3e18transcript Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In this episode, Kwentin Shelton shares his journey of neurodivergence, early diagnosis, and navigating the educational system as a Black man. We explore misconceptions about autism, the importance of representation, and strategie...

Burnout is a Systemic Red Flag 08.07.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/s3e17transcript Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In this reflection episode, I discuss my conversation with Dr. Derek Porter, which focused on the themes of burnout, authenticity, privilege, and the societal pressures that shape our experiences. We spent time discussing the cost...

Reframing Burnout in Schools and Beyond - Part 2 17.06.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/s3e16transcript Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In Part 2 and the conclusion of this episode, I continue our discussion with Dr. Derek Porter around the critical issues of burnout, organizational failure, and the importance of understanding neurodivergence in educational and co...

Reframing Burnout in Schools and Beyond - Part 1 04.06.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/s3e15transcript Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In Part 1 of this episode, I chop it up with Dr. Derek Porter about how burnout is a systems issue and not a personal failure. We discuss organizational inequities and how they impact schools and companies as a whole, especially n...

Manhood and Disability Don't Have to be Taboos 21.05.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EwLU4aj5I7ZhLZqQ4hJS6j8YDerRxm9CPKNGxrMpqP8/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary In this short reflection episode, I talk about a few key takeaways from my recent episode with Mark Travis Rivera. I discuss the importance of redefining manhood, especially in light o...

Neurodivergent Plus Disabled, And I Thrive 15.04.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/s3e13transcript Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary In this episode, I get the chance to chat with Mark Travis Rivera, an award-winning creative entrepreneur and storyteller. We discuss Mark's journey of embracing his neurodivergence, the importance of storytelling, and how dance ha...

Intelligence Doesn't Follow the Rules 10.04.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/106LAoMc6XM9rF8ncpNwK_CsxtHZL9PCLkJRXeeebH3Q/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary In this short reflection episode, I talk about a few key reflections on my recent episode with Aurora Remember. I discuss the importance of understanding yourself, particularly via dia...

How Intensity Can Signal Inspiration 25.03.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yv2NuYvVBDFsNlFQ3YP531x65wKnWuk3_DjkPR2SjI0/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary In this episode, I speak with Aurora Remember, a school psychologist and host of the "Embracing Intensity" podcast. We discuss the concept of neurodivergence, the difference between se...

Why Adults in Schools Matter 11.03.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zgSP6jBArpGXJ0hDdJkjdQls-w4rb3aUKgXV2aT8mGo/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary In this short, reflection episode, I talk about a few key reflections on my recent episode with Shakela Strawberry. I discuss the importance of adult's taking responsibility for educat...

Maybe They're Not 'Bad' Kids, They're Just Neurodivergent 26.02.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RsG6zlv0jLTM7nK1CIR3VgjK4W57S5qVnxmlCVmqaMA/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary In this episode, I chat with Shakela Strawberry, a mom, special-education teacher and non-profit founder who is a dedicated advocate for neurodivergent people. Shakela shares her journ...

How Neurodivergence Transforms Companies 12.02.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sQCSGiPcKZn1fOb1yXof3Bxcbg9BM-RcmREiqR6E2W0/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary In this episode, I speak with Michael Asaku-Yeboah, a vocational therapist and inclusion consultant. This is a DEEP conversation where we discuss things like the importance of understa...

Neuroplasticity, AI and Masculinity's Future 29.01.2026

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/17YKf0QfVIfN03XpHUCXwUSNWbvFqQUSKN2SLM6Pkm9I/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In my latest conversation, I get the honor of chatting with David Hester, PhD again. Per usual, we talked about just about EVERYTHING (haha). David shares his thoughts on neuroplastic...

It Must Be Time to Rest and Revisit 24.12.2025

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Whi98bPoD7JApOXYX5IkbaMbD9XzSRSBd7UdwhKwKfs/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In this episode, I reflect on some of my favorite episodes that are good to review during this time of rest and restoration. Listen to hear how you can help 2026 be a transformative y...

A Heart Attack Forced Him to Reboot His ADHD 11.12.2025

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rNjh4fS_StpHON-a-EEk_n_dH4hGK46s0EPe5o5U2Qc/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In this episode, I speak with Dr. Jeff, an expert helping people with ADHD transform their lives, especially in the workplace. We discussed Dr. Jeff's personal journey with ADHD, the...

I Wasn't Bipolar...I Was Autistic 26.11.2025

Episode Transcript (provided by Acast - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ujE9yulu1kvNze2q99xDQO4qvt_pUdr0ISkiX_xhPtI/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In this episode, we speak with Ayanna Sanaa Davis, an award-winning autism advocate, discussing her unique journey as a Black autistic woman. She shares about her misdiagnosis where she w...

Mom, I'm Autistic - A conversation with Janelle Johnson, LMFT-S 12.11.2025

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nKIvlOlsje1bGu6wDyEdTNxG4Dfk2LKSMN3M_cPbkK8/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Janelle Johnson, LMFT-S, a licensed marriage and family therapist, as well as a neurodiversity and disability advocate. We had a g...

Why Anger is Necessary for Joy 15.10.2025

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DvxQW82DslhfTiUMwO0q8tBhsxxuLMdTYndyXqY1pmQ/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary In this episode, I delve into the complexities of anger, highlighting a number of ways that its presence is a pathway to healthier relationships. I discuss the importance of investigat...

Is it a Neurodivergent Excuse or a Reason? 01.10.2025

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JKjcPA2Usu4lG5bYSKkLeUPB8Su5KGsRFNe87mXeFgE/edit?usp=sharing Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary In this episode, I explore and explain something that can be a bit confusing, the difference between excuses and reasons. Many of us have seen this come up in our neurodivergent commun...

It Must Be a Conversation with Rev. Nicholas Young 08.07.2025

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors) Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG Summary In this episode, I have a powerful conversation with Reverend Nicholas Young about the intersections of faith, mental health, and the unique challenges faced by gifted and otherwise neurodivergent people. We touch on the importance of community, the role of grief in both ministry and therapy, and ho...

It Must Be the Lesson in the Mirror 10.06.2025

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors) Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG Summary In this episode, I explore the concept of being a mirror in relationships and how we can learn emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and personal growth. I delve into how our interactions with others can serve as mirrors, revealing lessons about ourselves. I discuss leveraging boundaries, th...

It Must Be Eugenics 24.04.2025

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors) Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG Summary In this episode, I discuss the recent proposal by RFK Jr. to create a database of autistic individuals, expressing deep concern over the implications of such a move. He emphasizes the importance of community, advocacy, and understanding the complexities surrounding autism and neurodivergence. Sheldo...

It Must Be My MEgo 07.02.2025

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors) Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG In this episode, I take my time really digging into the concept of ego, exploring its role in self-awareness and personal identity. I discuss the importance of understanding the ego as both a source of strength and a potential obstacle. I briefly discuss Freud while leaning much more heavily on the thoughts...

It Must Be 2025 - Leave it and Receive it 07.02.2025

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors) Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG In this episode, I reflect on some things we need to leave in 2024 and some key things we need to make sure we're honing in on for 2025. I discuss things like patriarchy, the importance of internal validation, and the need for authentic community connections. How healthy boundaries and the power of imaginat...

It Must Be a Conversation with Dr. Matt 27.12.2024

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors) Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG In this previously recorded episode, I speak with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodivergence and giftedness. We explore the complexities of being neurodivergent, the importance of self-discovery, and the need for supportive environments for gifted individuals. Dr. Matt shares...

It Must Be Good Grief 26.11.2024

Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors) Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG Don't forget to subscribe, SHARE and leave a review Summary: In this episode, I explore the complex nature of grief through personal experiences I've encountered over the past year or so. I reflect on the multiple deaths/transitions that led me to this point in my journey. I discuss the death of our cat, my...

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