Positive Disintegration

In episode 84, Chris and Emma returned after a break, and this episode marks a change. We dropped into the conversation without a guest, an intro, or any of the usual formalities—just the two of us talking about positive maladjustment in the way we are living it right now. We talk about lived experience as the ground from which this theory makes sense, and why understanding it means having gone th...

Episode 83 includes something we’ve never done before on Positive Disintegration. It’s a conversation among seven neurodivergent podcasters—recorded as part of a peer-reviewed paper that has just been published in Neurodiversity journal. The paper, “Voices at the Margins: Podcasting as Neuroqueer Collaborative Autoethnography and Epistemic Healing,” positions podcasting as a research methodology w...

In episode 82, Chris and Emma talk with Mattia Maurée about the intersection of ADHD, autism, and PDA—the Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. Mattia is an AuDHD coach and host of the ADHD Flourishing podcast. We discuss what it actually means to flourish rather than just cope or survive, why the pathology paradigm failed so many of us, and how positive disintegration offers a different lens for understa...

In episode 81, Chris and Emma mark four years of the podcast with a candid look at what’s changed—in themselves, their work, and their relationship to the theory. Both faced challenges this year, and both noticed something striking: they handled it differently than they would have before. The theory has become a real-time companion rather than a post-mortem tool—dynamisms catching in the moment in...

In episode 80, Chris and Emma talked with Heather Anne Keyes, a neuroqueer Gestalt psychotherapist and educator based in Durango, Mexico. Together, we explore the intersections between sexuality, neurodivergence, and development through the lens of Dąbrowski’s theory of positive disintegration. This conversation invites listeners to think about how we relate to ourselves and others when we step ou...

In episode 79, Chris and Emma explore the revolutionary idea that positive disintegration extends far beyond individual psychology with guest Richard Edelman, founder of Living Arts Wisdom and a cultural evolution strategist who synthesizes neuroscience, evolutionary philosophy, and trauma-informed practices. Drawing from interpersonal neurobiology, evolutionary theory, and climate psychology, Ric...

In episode 78, we continued our rich and engaging conversation with Autum Romano, an educator, bodyworker, and author from Colorado Springs, CO. This is the second in a two-part conversation exploring polyvagal theory and its relevance to personality development, healing, and human connection. We deepen our exploration of polyvagal theory and its connections with developmental experience, neurodiv...

In episode 77, Chris and Emma were joined by Autum Romano, an educator, bodyworker, and author from Colorado Springs, CO. This is the first in a two-part conversation exploring polyvagal theory and its relevance to personality development, healing, and human connection. Autum brings 28+ years of experience in the healing arts and a rich understanding of the nervous system. Together, we dive into t...

In this special crossover episode, we’re sharing Episode 3 of cosmic cheer squad —our new podcast from the Positive Disintegration Network. Chris and Bee are joined by a very special guest: Emma Nicholson, co-host of Positive Disintegration , for an in-person, around-the-table conversation recorded in Madison, Wisconsin. Together, they reflect on: * How they became friends and collaborators throug...

In Episode 75, Chris and Emma were joined by Gordon Smith, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Coach, and Creative from Gifted and Growing in Asheville, NC. Together, they explore how community, creativity, and authenticity support the journey of positive disintegration. Gordon shares how his rediscovery of giftedness helped him make sense of his life and deepen his work with clients. The...

Episode 74 includes Part 2 of our very first in-person podcast special. After years of collaborating across continents, Chris and Emma finally sat down together face-to-face in Madison, Wisconsin. In this spontaneous, laughter-filled continuation, we’re joined by Bee Mayhew and Pam Ryan for a warm and off-the-cuff conversation about friendship, imagination, healing, and what it really means to be...

Welcome to a very special episode of Positive Disintegration ! For the first time ever, Chris and Emma sat down together in person to record—not virtually, not over Zoom or SquadCast, but face to face in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. In this warm and unscripted special, we reflect on our friendship, the podcast’s evolution, and the joy (and awkwardness!) of finally being in the same room after...

In episode 72, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Lil Jedynak—a memoir writing coach, multi-potential creative, and gifted adult—who helps people tell their life stories through the lens of autoethnography. Lil shares her journey of self-discovery, from uncovering her giftedness at 60 to finding new frameworks for understanding her life, such as Dąbrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration. We explor...

*Content Warning: This episode contains a discussion about suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners. Click here for resources. In episode 71, Chris and Emma continue the conversation with Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, a suicidologist, therapist, author, and professor at the University of Denver. In this second installment, we delve deeper into the complexities of suicidality, exploring chroni...

*Content Warning: This episode contains a discussion about suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners. Click here for resources. In episode 70, Chris and Emma talk with Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, a suicidologist, therapist, author, and professor at the University of Denver. We discuss the deeply important but often stigmatized topic of suicide. This is part one of a two-part series that expl...

In episode 69, Chris and Emma talked with Lian Brook-Tyler, shamanic healer, teacher of unity, podcaster, and co-founder of the Be Mythical podcast. In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, we dive into the intersections of mysticism, neurodivergence, spirituality, transformation, and awakenings—connecting these profound experiences to Dabrowski’s theory of positive disintegration. We explore:...

In episode 68, Chris and Emma debriefed about Chris’s session from NAGC 2023 titled “Overexcitabilities and Dąbrowski’s Theory: Correcting the Course in Gifted Education.” We covered the five common myths or misunderstandings about the theory of positive disintegration that were addressed in the presentation. We’ve been sitting on this episode because we didn’t have time to get it out right after...

In episode 67, Chris and Emma were joined by Caitlin Hughes from the Divergent Dialogues podcast. Caitlin is an accredited mental health social worker and founder of Cathartic Collaborations, a neurodivergent-affirming private practice based in Brisbane, Australia. We dive deep into the complexities of multi-exceptional neurodivergent identities, the journey of self-discovery, and the importance o...

In episode 66, Chris and Emma celebrated the podcast’s third birthday! We reflect on our highlights, challenges, and lessons over the last year. One of the most rewarding aspects of our podcast journey has been the incredible community we've built around the theory of positive disintegration. The relationships we’ve formed—both with each other and with our listeners—have been instrumental in our d...

In episode 63, Chris and Emma talked with Sheldon Gay, a serial entrepreneur with a background in engineering and a tech-focused MBA. As a late-identified gifted and, therefore, neurodivergent Black man, Sheldon uses his experiences to help others embrace their unique identities and foster community through his podcast,  I Must Be BUG’N . In this episode, we dive into the complexities of giftednes...

In episode 62, Chris and Emma delivered the audio from the DC2024 workshop they previewed in episode 58. The Dabrowski Congress was a special experience, and this workshop was no exception. So, we’d like to say a big thank you to the people who shared their thoughts and questions with us during the session because they really helped make it amazing. We hope you’ll enjoy our workshop, too, and part...

In episode 61, Chris and Emma were joined by Dr. Sarabeth Berk Bickerton, a professional identity researcher and the leading expert on hybrid professional identity. Sarabeth is based in Boulder, Colorado, and author of More Than My Title: The Power of Hybrid Professionals in a Workplace of Experts and Generalists . Understanding and articulating your professional identity is essential for achievin...

In episode 60, Chris and Emma introduced the theory of positive disintegration in a nutshell. We did our best to make it as approachable as possible and kept jargon to a minimum. Our goal was not to deliver a scholarly presentation of the theory but one for the layperson going through positive disintegration. This introduction was created especially for the 2024 Dabrowski Congress for attendees wh...

In episode 59, Chris and Emma were joined by Dr. Sergej van Middendorp and Abbie VanMeter of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. We discussed the CMM (Coordinated Management of Meaning) theory and its intersection with the theory of positive disintegration. Sergej helps generate healthy systems with action research-based practice in improvisation, design, and communication. In the...

In episode 58, Chris and Emma shared a preview of the workshop they’ll deliver together at the 2024 Dabrowski Congress on July 11, 2024. We started with an overview of the Congress schedule, highlighting the mix of virtual and in-person sessions designed to cater to a diverse audience. Our workshop, which is virtual only, aims to assist participants in aligning their actions with their values—a cr...