Episode 76: Cosmic Connections

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 through the theory of positive disintegration

* The idea of cosmic pockets as a way to hold intense feelings until it’s safe to process them

* Inner critics, intrusive thoughts, and how to rewrite old narratives

* Parenting yourself while raising others

* Emotional trampolines, anti-cults, and resisting illegitimate authority

* Why the Gravitron might be the perfect metaphor for development

Plus: Bee’s legendary toffee, Aussie accent jokes, trench coat metaphors, and the beginnings of a truly cozy counterculture.

💫 It’s part reunion, part origin story, and all heart. Come sit with us.

Links from this episode

Find Emma online:

* Tragic Gift (blog)

* Adults with Overexcitabilities (YouTube)

* Adults with Overexcitabilities (Facebook group)

* Positive Disintegration (Instagram)

We referenced:

* Cosmic Pocket

* Sneaky Stimming

Positive Disintegration:

* Episode 33: A Personal Journey of Self-Discovery, with David Sweeney

* Episode 37: Self-Directed Education with Marni Kammersell

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 conversation dives into the challenges of unmasking in front of others—especially family—and how the safety of group spaces can empower people to become more fully themselves. Gordon introduces his unique group offerings and the powerful “Magnum Opus” exercise that facilitates self-discovery through poetry and flow state.

This episode touches on key Dabrowskian themes, including the transformation of internalized shame, the shedding of masks, the role of community in personal growth, and how creative practices support authenticity. We reflect on how our disintegrations have unfolded and offer heartfelt encouragement for listeners on their journeys.

Topics Include:

* Gordon’s journey back to giftedness and the theory of positive disintegration

* The importance of self-knowing and depathologizing difference

* Creating safe spaces for unmasking and self-expression

* Using creativity and community to support growth

* Reflections on grief, parenting, and nervous system healing

* How discovering language for our experiences can be transformative

Resources from this episode

* Visit Gordon’s website: Giftedandgrowing.org

* Gordon Smith, LPC (Facebook)

* More about Yunasa

Connect with us

* Positive Disintegration on Substack

* Visit the Dabrowski Center website

* Facebook

* Instagram

* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel

* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook

* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma

* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com

* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

* Find Positive Disintegration Merch

If you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you!

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 ourselves.

In this episode:

* The power of community and co-regulation for people who’ve long felt “too much”

* What happens when deep thinkers stop masking and start mirroring each other

* A kitchen full of neurodivergent magic and mirroring

* Finding safety, resonance, and spiritual alignment in community

* From shared values to shaping new realities—how our friendships have become frameworks

We reflect on how much we’ve grown, how much we’ve healed, and how profoundly we’ve changed by allowing ourselves to show up as our true selves, together.

Big news: Chris and Bee have launched a brand new podcast together—✨ cosmic cheer squad ✨

Visit cosmic cheer squad on Substack

Follow @cosmiccheersquad on Instagram

It’s a show blending resistance, storytelling, transformation, and soul-friend energy.

Links from this episode

Bee’s Substack:

* Pragmagination

Pam’s groups on Facebook:

* Rogue Valley Brainery & Ludoteca

* Voodoodleydooers

Connect with us

* Positive Disintegration on Substack

* Visit the Dabrowski Center website

* Facebook

* Instagram

* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel

* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook

* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma

* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com

* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

* Find Positive Disintegration Merch

If you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you!