Inside the Pickle Jar: Connecting with the Spectrum

Hey picklers! Tonya here, and I'm about to get REAL about something that changed my life as a neurodivergent professional, and I bet it'll change yours too. Ever had that moment where everyone else seems to have gotten some secret social handbook you missed? Yeah, me too. That's why I'm OBSESSED with emotional intelligence, and today we're diving DEEP into the four EQ supe...

We’re back Inside the Pickle Jar this week, and we’re still swimming around in emotional intelligence (EQ) because it deserves more than just one episode. In this conversation, I’m getting into: 🧠 Where EQ actually comes from (yes, there’s brain science behind it) 😤 Why managing emotional reactions isn’t about “being professional”—it’s about protecting your energy 📉 How high IQ doesn’t mean muc...

"What's your IQ?" might be a bit passé, but EQ (Emotional Intelligence) is your secret weapon for workplace success—especially when you're neurodivergent. In this episode, Tonya breaks down the often-misunderstood world of emotional intelligence for neurodivergent professionals. You'll discover: Why traditional EQ advice fails neurodivergent brains (and what actually works...

What happens after the promotion—when you’re neurodivergent, managing people, and trying to keep your executive function afloat? In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar , I’m back with part two of my conversation with the incredible Cheryl Richoux-Torres—a neurodivergent tech leader and champion for inclusive workplaces. We go deeper into: - The emotional toll of constant social interaction at wo...

In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar , I sit down with Cheryl Richoux-Torres, a neurodivergent leader, innovator, and fierce advocate for inclusive workplaces. Cheryl opens up about her personal and professional journey: from feeling like a workhorse in the tech world to stepping into her full value through storytelling, confidence, and unapologetically leaning into her neurodivergent brain. W...

Ever catch yourself bouncing your leg, tapping a pen, or twisting your hair to self-soothe… only to notice someone next to you looking visibly irritated ? 👀 Yeah. That might be misokinesia—when someone has a strong (usually negative) reaction to seeing repetitive movements. In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar , I’m breaking down the clash between stimming (a lifeline for many autistic folks,...

In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar , I’m back with the brilliant Dr. Corinna Freitag — an executive coach, scientist, and fellow neurodivergent brain — for part two of our conversation on calming the nervous system. This time, we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked in neurodivergent life: the power of movement and mindfulness. We get into: 🧠 Why regular physical activity i...

If you’re autistic like me, your nervous system probably feels like it’s running Windows 95 on dial-up... during a thunderstorm. In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar , I’m joined by Dr. Corinna Freitag — executive coach, fellow autistic adult, and someone who knows a lot about turning down the inner chaos dial. We talk about: Why so many of us live in a constant state of “slightly freaking out...

Okay, you know that moment when you realize ohhhhhh this brain isn’t broken—it’s just wired differently? Yeah, Sarah Sparkman had that moment at 37, when she was diagnosed with ADHD. And let me tell you, her story is one a lot of us will relate to. In this episode, I sit down with Sarah—who somehow manages to be a senior category advisor in dish care at P&G, a licensed attorney, and an advocat...

What happens when you hit burnout hard—and the workplace isn’t built to support you? In this episode, I’m continuing my conversation with the brilliant Mark Michaelis, a senior merchandising exec with 26 years in Fortune 500 companies and lived experience as an autistic professional. Mark shares what it’s like to work under unsupportive leaders, navigate career shifts, and advocate for real neurod...

What happens when a Fortune 500 leader brings his full neurodivergent self to work—and refuses to shrink to fit? In this powerful episode, Tonya sits down with Mark Michaelis, Senior Director of Merchandising and outspoken advocate for autism acceptance in the workplace. Mark shares his journey as a neurodivergent professional, from childhood experiences to his success in Fortune 500 companies. He...

We’re back for part two with Beth Grimm! We’re talking hobbies, hyperfocus, and Harry Potter. Beth is not just a brilliant compliance expert and neurodivergent advocate — she’s also a language-learning enthusiast with some truly creative strategies. In this episode, she shares how reading Harry Potter in different languages (yep, it’s called the Harry Poly Glot Method 👏) became a fun and accessib...

This week, I’m chatting with Beth Grim, a total rockstar in aerospace and digital safety who also happens to be a passionate voice for neurodivergent leadership. She opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, how that’s shaped her world, and what it really feels like to navigate work and relationships when your brain works differently. We also get into masking (ugh, so exha...

Struggling to stay on task? You’re not broken, your tools just need an upgrade. In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar , host Tonya Weaver shares how neurodivergent brains can thrive with the right support systems. From gamified task apps like Todoist and Habitica to virtual reality platforms like Florio that help build social confidence, Tonya explores tools designed with your brain in mind. Sh...

Why being “wired differently” isn’t a disadvantage – it's the future. In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar , Tonya Weaver returns to the vital conversation around neurodiversity and mental health , first sparked in back in episode 13 titled The Connection Between Mental Health and Neurodiversity. From boardrooms to behavioral health conferences, the recognition of neurodivergence is gaini...

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey with bullying - both what I experienced growing up and what I’ve seen as a parent of a neurodivergent child. We’re diving into what bullying really looks like, how to spot the signs early, and what you can do if your child is being targeted. I’ll walk you through practical ways to advocate for your child at school, build their confidence at home, an...

Ever felt like talking to a financial advisor is way more overwhelming than it should be? You're not alone. In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar , I break down the biggest challenges neurodivergent folks face when dealing with financial professionals - think executive function struggles, sensory overload, and the general chaos of money talk. I’ll walk you through practical ways to make th...

In the second half of our powerful conversation with Dr. Corinna Freitag, we continue to explore her journey following a late autism diagnosis and the profound impact it's had on her life and work. Corinna—an executive coach with a background in both natural and human sciences—opens up about how her diagnosis has reshaped her relationships, particularly with her husband, and how it’s influenc...

In this episode, Tonya sits down (once again!) with Dr. Corinna Freitag—executive coach, scientist, and now, diagnosed autistic adult. With over 30 years of experience in the natural and human sciences and nearly two decades in the chemical and automotive industries, Corinna opens up about her late-in-life autism diagnosis and the unexpected ways it’s transformed her personal life and coaching car...

Change can be overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent individuals - but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Tonya explores how to navigate life’s transitions with confidence and resilience. From adopting a growth mindset to setting clear goals and practicing self-care, Tonya shares actionable strategies to make change more manageable. Drawing insights from leadership expert Dave Stachowiak...

ADHD is often misunderstood as just being easily distracted or having trouble sitting still—but there's so much more to it. In this quick yet value-packed episode, Tonya breaks down the neuroscience behind ADHD, explaining how it affects attention, impulse control, and executive function. Whether you have ADHD, love someone who does, or work with neurodivergent individuals, this episode is a...

In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar , Tonya Weaver dives into sensory sensitivities, a common experience for neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder. Tonya shares personal stories and practical strategies for managing sensory overload—covering everything from sensory-friendly environments and noise-canceling headphones to routines that re...

In this episode, Tonya Weaver, a neurodivergent relationship coach, dives into essential strategies for safeguarding your mental and emotional well-being. From setting boundaries and prioritizing rest to managing social media and difficult conversations, this episode provides practical tools for both neurodivergent and neurotypical listeners. 🔹 Learn how to protect your peace in an overwhelming w...

Friendship isn’t just about having people around, it’s about finding those who truly understand and support you. For neurodivergent individuals, forming and maintaining deep, authentic friendships can come with unique challenges, but the right strategies make all the difference. In this episode, I dive into: ✅ Why authentic connections matter ✅ Practical tips for finding and nurturing friendship...

Ever caught yourself overthinking your overthinking? 🤯 Welcome to the world of metacognition—aka thinking about thinking . In this episode, we’re diving deep into how neurodivergent minds can harness this skill to boost learning, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and productivity. Metacognition has two key parts: 🧠 Knowing how you think 🛠️ Regulating your thinking process I’ll share persona...