Inside the Pickle Jar: Connecting with the Spectrum

I'm taking a risk here because some of the words used in Transactional Analysis could be twisted to mean something else BUT I think the principles are worth the risk. In this episode, I explore the concepts of Transactional Analysis through the 1970s book "TA for Kids". I focus on the three parts of the self: Parent, Adult, and Child. I also discuss the importance of understanding t...

🥒 Have you ever felt anxiety as a quiet storm swirling beneath your calm? In this episode, I invite you into my own journey with anxiety, unfolding gentle ways to navigate its waves. I try to carefully explore anxiety not as an enemy, but as a natural rhythm of the body, offering practical tools like breath work and movement to soothe the spirit along with neuroscientist, Wendy Suzuki. I talk thr...

Hello friends… in this conversation, I share my experiences with frustration, emotional intelligence, and the challenges of hosting during the holiday season. I talk about the importance of self-care, managing anxiety, and setting personal goals, especially for neurodivergent individuals.  I’ve been wandering through my own inner weather lately—frustration tucked under one arm, emotional intellige...

🥒Summary In this conversation, I wander into that tender space between tuning in and tuning out, the quiet crossroads where our bodies whisper truths long before our brains catch up. We talk about what it means to actually feel what’s happening inside us, especially as neurodivergent folks who’ve spent years learning to override, mask, or disappear from our own sensations. I share stories from my...

Summary In this episode, Tonya Weaver-Davis explores the concept of interoception, emphasizing its significance in understanding our bodily sensations and emotions. She discusses the role of the vagus nerve in brain-body communication and how interoception can enhance emotional intelligence and mindfulness. The conversation highlights practical applications of interoception in therapy and personal...

Summary In this episode, Tonya Weaver-Davis explores the concept of emotional intelligence, its significance in personal and professional relationships, and how it can be nurtured and developed. She discusses the impact of culture on emotional intelligence, the role of neurodiversity, and the importance of understanding emotional responses. Tonya emphasizes the need for mindfulness and the practic...

In this episode of Inside the Pickle, I discuss the importance of self-care for neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the need for community support and accountability. I introduce the Spoon Theory to explain energy management and offers practical strategies for setting realistic self-care goals. The conversation also explores gamification techniques, such as the Pickle Points system, to encoura...

In this episode, I just want to update everybody on where I am in my own growth, share holiday wishes, and my upcoming hopes for the channel and for all of you. I tell more of my personal journey as a neurodivergent individual and my experiences as a parent of neurodivergent children. I talk about going into therapy again, the importance of embracing neurodiversity, building community, and providi...

In this conversation, I discuss the importance of authenticity during Thanksgiving and emphasize that the holiday should not be a performance to meet neurotypical expectations. Instead, it should be a time to honor your own rhythms and redefine hospitality. I want people to understand the significance of belonging to oneself rather than conforming to societal norms. Takeaways Thanksgiving should h...

In This Episode: Performative Allyship and Extortion NOTE: New format that includes a 1 min trailer. 🤴In this episode, I discuss the problematic representation of neurodivergent individuals in media and entertainment. I critique the performative nature of allyship, the misrepresentation of neurodivergence in popular shows, and the fetishization of neurodivergent traits on social media. I really e...

NOTE: New format that includes a 1 min trailer. Meet Tom, a neurodivergent employee of Waitrose that worked 400 hours without pay and learn how Waitrose screwed him over. This conversation delves into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, particularly in light of recent rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Tonya Weaver-Davis discusses the sys...

In this episode, Tonya Weaver-Davis discusses the troubling political landscape in the United States, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. She highlights the impact of economic downturns, corporate culture, and recent policy changes that threaten the rights and accommodations for neurodivergent employees. The conversation also delves into the prevalence of b...

In this conversation, Tonya Weaver-Davis discusses the controversy surrounding ultra runner Camille Herron and her advocacy for disability accommodations for herself during the 24-Hour World Championships. Tonya critiques Camille's actions, emphasizing the importance of supporting not just yourself but the neurodivergent community as a whole and the need for athletes and people to advocate fo...

Hello Pickle Pals! In this episode, Tonya Weaver explores the critical components of emotional intelligence, particularly focusing on self-awareness and its significance in inclusive leadership. She emphasizes the importance of listening, curiosity, and empathy in fostering a psychologically safe environment. The conversation delves into practical strategies for enhancing self-awareness and mindfu...

In this episode, Tonya Weaver-Davis delves into the intersection of neurodivergent leadership and emotional intelligence. She discusses the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent leaders, particularly in navigating conflict and emotional responses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment, managing defensive reactions, and the power of labeling e...

In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar, Tonya Weaver explores the critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workforce, particularly in leadership and team dynamics. She emphasizes that EQ is not a soft skill but a vital component for effective communication, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Tonya discusses the importance of self-awareness, emotional regu...

Hey pickle pals! Tonya here with the finale of our neurodiversity hiring series, and this one's packed with actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Over the past month, we've explored why neurodivergent talent is crucial for innovation, the unconscious biases blocking these brilliant minds, and the psychological safety needed for them to thrive. Now, I'm bringing it all...

Hey pickle pals! I'm about to reveal the invisible force field keeping brilliant neurodivergent minds out of your workplace. Have you ever wondered why companies keep hiring the same types of thinkers despite claiming to value "innovation" and "outside-the-box thinking"? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the psychological shortcuts that sabotage genuine...

Hey pickle pals! Tonya here, continuing our deep dive into why neurodivergent talent is essential for workplace innovation. In this second episode of our series, I'm tackling the unconscious biases that prevent neurodivergent professionals (like myself and maybe you!) from getting hired - despite our proven advantages in problem-solving and innovation. Drawing from the brilliant work of Dr. L...

Hey pickle pals! Tonya here, kicking off an eye-opening four-part series that might just change how you see neurodivergent talent in the workplace. For years we have been overlooked or unwanted but in this series I am unpacking why that is. AND why that shouldn’t be the case.  I share both research and real-world examples (including a fascinating historical case study) that demonstrate why neurodi...

In episode 52 of Inside the Pickle Jar, we mark podcast's one-year anniversary! This is part two of a discussion on Neurodignity and self-regulation. Topics include ADHD, emotional regulation, and various self-regulation strategies such as sensory recalibration and daily maintenance. If you’ve enjoyed any of my episodes oer the past year - I would be so happy if you left a five-star review! I...

I did a panel on self-regulation and it was so valuable I decided to share it with my Inside the Pickle Jar peeps! Please enjoy the first part of the panel, all about self-regulation. In the episode we get into how each of us handles self-regulation, including tips on how you can do it as well! Connect with the panelists: Dr. Ludmila Praslova LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludmila-praslova/...

Hey pickle pals! Tonya here with a revelation that explains SO much about the neurodivergent experience! In this landmark episode, I explore groundbreaking research connecting high IQ with processing differences - solving the mystery of why so many brilliant minds struggle with seemingly "simple" tasks. You'll discover: Why many high-IQ individuals remain undiagnosed until adulthood...

Hey there, pickle pals! Today we're tackling something that makes many neurodivergent professionals break out in a cold sweat: financial conversations. In today's episode, I'm opening up about my own money-talk struggles as a neurodivergent leader and sharing the game-changing strategies that finally helped me thrive in these conversations. You'll discover: Why traditional fina...

Hey pickle pals! Tonya here with the FINALE of our emotional intelligence series - and it's a juicy one! I got the brilliant Beth Grimm again onto the Pickle Jar universe to tackle the burning question: in a world obsessed with AI, what makes neurodivergent minds irreplaceable? In this conversation, Beth and I explore: Why traditional EQ advice fails neurodivergent brains (and what actually w...