You Can Do It: The Podcast for Neurodivergent Adults, Deep Creatives, and Out-of-the-Box Thinkers

This past week was both Father’s Day and the anniversary of my adopted dad’s passing, so in this week’s episode, I honor the role he played in my life.  Listen as I share how his unconditional love was part of my life’s foundation which allowed me to go from being a 17-year old runaway to the woman I am today, living a thriving life that I love.  I’ll share three of the many important life lessons...

Join me for this week’s very special episode with Dr. Victoria Verlezza.  Dr. Verlezza is a multi-award-winning PhD who almost flunked out of high school, not for lack of ability, but because, as she puts it, the system wasn't built for her. She is an Autistic, ADHD, queer woman with multiple learning disabilities, who has made it her life's work to transform the system for others.  I was...

Join me in this episode as I explore why “doing nothing” isn’t a sign of laziness but a powerful habit that protects your mental health and helps you avoid burnout. I reflect on my own long‑standing belief in intentional stillness, which I’ve encouraged in my coaching and throughout the show, while breaking down the work of writer and professional idler Tom Hodgkinson - which was highlighted on a...

In this week’s episode, I’m recapping my first 10K race of the year and sharing the lessons it reminded me of when thinking about redefining success. Even though nothing about this race went according to plan, it was a powerful reminder that success isn’t perfection, it’s perseverance.  I’ll share how the events of my race day can be applied to the goals in your life and what that means for you, e...

Curiosity isn’t just a personality trait; it’s a necessary element for any true life transformation.  In today's episode, I dive into what curiosity is, and how it can empower us to get what we want for our lives.  I’ll share how my role as a speaker and event host, along with discovering the work of Dr. Laurie Santos of Yale University, has led me back to one powerful truth: curious people th...

In this week’s episode, I share how a simple springtime run in Chicago led me to a powerful reminder about perception and self‑worth.  Learn how dandelions, who were once prized, then dismissed, and have now been rediscovered, can mirror the way our identities can be shaped by the stories society tells about us.  Together we’ll dig into how perception becomes reality, especially for neurodivergent...

In this episode, I open with the story of my first running race of the year, and the lessons that showed up for me between the gusts of wind and the shifting course. I talk about what it means to start strong, slow down, and still honor your pace, especially when you’re rebuilding. This race becomes a metaphor for consistency, self-compassion, and returning to goals that once felt out of reach.  F...

In today’s episode, I explore the powerful symbolism of the 444 angel number and how its message of balance, protection, and divine guidance showed up during the 4th Women’s Wellness Summit.  I then go on to share why the first quarter of the year is an ideal time for intentional reflection and offer four simple questions to help you assess your growth, challenges, and next steps.  Plus, I share m...

After a short hiatus due to a busy travel schedule and technical difficulties, I’m back!  In this week’s episode, I’m reflecting on what it means to celebrate Women’s History Month while living in a country where women’s rights are actively under threat. You’ll learn about my own journey from being a self-proclaimed tomboy who struggled to connect with girls to discovering the transformative power...

In this episode, I wrap up my joy series with a warm reminder that even in heavy times, small moments of light can change everything. Learn about how one of the most joyful community events I have ever been a part of, along with a perfectly timed TikTok quote, warmed my heart and confirmed that there is joy to be found in the world today.  I also share my own personal story of how joy carried me t...

“In March, winter is holding us back & spring is pulling us forward. Something holds & pulls inside us, too.” - Jean Hersey This quote sets the stage for part two of my 3-part series on joy. While last week the conversation focused on how joy is a face of resistance, this week I explore the idea that joy is something you can grow with intention. Looking to take that next step into building...

Welcome to the last episode of our series on resistance where I share how joy is one of the most unexpected faces of all.  I discuss how joy is different from happiness and can show up in the midst of change, challenge, and even grief.  While joy is the landing point for this series, it’s actually the launching point for the next one. So be sure to dig into this episode that proves just how every...

In this week’s episode, I continue our series on the many faces of resistance. Join me as I discuss how knowledge itself becomes a powerful form of resistance, and why the courage to learn, unlearn, and evolve is one of the bravest acts we can choose.  In addition to sharing another famous face of resistance from the Harlem Renaissance, jazz great Duke Ellington, I’ll also share my personal journe...

In this week’s episode, I explore how love and relationships can be one of the most powerful forms of resistance.  For many of us, relationships can be both a foundation for growth and one of the things we are most afraid of. However, they’re often the very thing that helps us withstand outside pressure, or resist.  Join me as I discuss how using love as a verb, especially in a world that often pr...

It’s my February kickoff episode! Join me as I begin a month-long series exploring resistance as both a cultural force and a deeply personal act of empowerment for us all.  From the mood-shifting sunlight in a Chicago winter to the brilliance of the Harlem Renaissance, I share how creativity, joy, and self-expression have always been powerful forms of resistance.  You’ll learn why developing your...

In this week’s episode you’ll meet Adam Smith, a life coach based in the United Kingdom. Learn how Adam was able to draw from his own personal experience of feeling burned out in the hospitality industry to pivot into a career where he now empowers men with the tools and strategies to go from having a “lone wolf” mindset to developing healthy relationships both within themselves and with others. ...

In today’s episode, I share why winter energy, habit building, and true consistency don’t actually align with the cultural pressure to “start strong” or chase the myth of “new year, new me.”  I share stories from our annual Lake Geneva trip, why I missed last week’s episode, and a joyful 30th‑birthday redo to remind you that real life doesn’t follow a perfect timeline. And that’s okay. Consider th...

In today’s episode, I share how I unexpectedly (and a little unwillingly) chose my intention for 2026. Or rather, how it chose me.  From being proud of the intention I originally set and ready to put it in motion, to an intimate conversation that changed everything, all the way to the split-second decision to throw my intention out into the universe, this is the story you need whether you have alr...

In this first episode of 2026, I invite you into a few of my cozy New Year’s Day traditions: pajamas, family, homemade soups, and a lively Dungeons & Dragons session, before I dive into the heart of today’s conversation: setting your intention for the year ahead.  As the “Twixtmas” (my new favorite word!) haze lifts and life begins to reset, I break down why resolutions often fail and how choo...

In this final episode of 2026, I’m inviting you into a cozy year-end reflection that starts with three lasagnas, family traditions, and a whole lot of gratitude.  As Christmas passes, Hanukkah wraps, and the winter solstice settles in, I’m sharing the stories, celebrations, and even a little Bears playoff excitement that shaped this week. I also reflect on why I chose to keep releasing episodes th...

In this episode, we continue in our “Thrive” series as we break down why slow, steady progress is not just okay. It's powerful.  Using the childhood classic story of The Tortoise & the Hare along with real-world lessons learned from marathon running, we talk about moving through life at your own pace, and not at the pace of those around you.  You’ll hear why small steps count, how to avoid...

The holidays can feel overwhelming with packed schedules, family dynamics, work demands, and endless commitments. But thriving isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, gratitude, and protecting your peace.  In this episode of the Thrive Series , I share five practical strategies that work with your brain and help you honor your energy, set boundaries, plan rest, and maintain life balance.  The...

Thriving isn’t about having it all or even doing it all. It’s about growing through the pressure. Join me as I reflect on Black Friday memories, the power of ‘yet,’ and how gratitude helps us progress toward our goals despite circumstances. While holiday shopping may look different for every personality, thriving through thankfulness is universal.  Tune in to learn how gratitude boosts your growth...

This special Anniversary Edition: Thriving Beyond Survival celebrates one year of hosting You Can Do It and two years of full-time solopreneurship.  Join me as I share the leap from a 20+ year teaching career into coaching and consulting, the challenges of building a business, and the lessons learned along the way.  From mid-career crises to growth mindset and neurodivergent empowerment, this epis...

November marks the beginning of the holiday season, and for many, a shift in energy that’s hard to ignore. In this episode, I explore the intersection of grief, gratitude, and growth, sharing personal stories and strategies for navigating seasonal overwhelm, shorter days, and neurodivergent challenges. From the emotional weight of loss to the pressure of holiday expectations, we unpack why this ti...