• Episode 14: From ‘Winging It’ to ‘Where’s My Notes?’ Executive Function’s Role in Presenting
    Oct 17 2024

    In this episode of CTRL+ALT+Think, Megan and Amy dive into the world of presentations, executive function, and the unique joys (or not) of prepping for public speaking. Ever feel like your brain is doing cartwheels when you’re supposed to be laser-focused? You’re not alone! Amy shares her experience preparing for an executive function presentation—juggling the anxiety of forgetting her main points with the struggle of winging it. Megan weighs in, reflecting on her own love-hate relationship with organizing thoughts, preparing materials, and managing last-minute adrenaline rushes. The duo keeps it real (and a little funny) as they chat about how executive function impacts everything from presentation prep to delivery and why sometimes the best approach is knowing yourself well enough to build in scaffolding (and a little grace). Whether you’re a chronic wing-it presenter or a detail-oriented planner, you’ll laugh, relate, and maybe even find a few tips to ease the presentation panic. Get ready to press play and learn how to work with your brain, not against it!

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    28 mins
  • Episode 13: Breadcrumbs & Brain Fuzz: Finding Your Way Back After Time Away
    Oct 9 2024

    In this episode of Ctrl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds, hosts Amy from Creative Catapult Coaching and Megan from Focus Like a Mother discuss navigating major transitions in life. From the shift from summer to fall, returning from vacations, and juggling changing routines, they explore how these disruptions can discombobulate even the most organized minds. They dive into personal stories of getting back into the swing of things after time away, the impact on energy and executive function, and offer their top strategies for smoother transitions. If you've ever needed a vacation to recover from your vacation, this episode is for you! Tune in for practical tips on managing your brain's "flywheel" during life's big shifts, and how to give yourself the grace and time to reorient.

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    19 mins
  • Episode 12: Changing Scenery, Changing Focus - Why Your Workspace Matters
    Oct 2 2024

    Ever feel like your workspace just isn't cutting it? In this episode of CTRL + ALT + Think, Megan and Amy dive into the quirks of working from different spaces—whether it's your office, porch, or a far-off hotel room. From the necessity of spreading out (hello, visual clutter) to the distractions of coffee shops (no, I'm not interested in your latte order), we explore how changing scenery impacts productivity, focus, and creativity. Tune in for some laughs, practical tips, and a glimpse into why switching things up might just be the key to getting things done.

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    15 mins
  • Episode 11: acing the Camera: Comfort, Discomfort, and Everything In Between
    Sep 25 2024

    In this episode, Amy and Megan dive into the world of video calls through a neurodivergent lens. They explore how virtual meetings differ from in-person interactions, discussing both the pros and cons. From managing self-awareness on camera to balancing external stimuli, they share their unique preferences and challenges. The conversation touches on video call etiquette, body doubling, and the sensory sensitivities that come into play for neurodivergent individuals. Whether you're a fan of video calls or find them draining, Amy and Megan's insights will have you reflecting on your own virtual meeting experiences.

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    29 mins
  • Episode 10: From Raindrops to Fluorescents, Neurodivergent Sensory Experiences
    Sep 18 2024

    Welcome to another delightfully chaotic episode of CTRL + ALT + Think! Megan and Amy dive into the wild world of sensory sensitivities and quirks that come with neurodivergence. From haircuts that felt like a ticklish nightmare to discovering the soothing magic of head massages, the duo shares their personal sensory highs and lows.

    They explore how sensory experiences vary—from the agony of certain sounds (hello, fingernails on a chalkboard!) to the sweet relief of vestibular input like swinging and spinning. Along the way, they unpack the different senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, proprioception, vestibular, and interoception—and how these can be intensely soothing or downright maddening.

    Amy recounts her surprising rage triggered by streetlights at night. At the same time, Megan reveals her struggles with sound sensitivities and the overwhelming smell of other people's clean laundry. They also touch on sensory coping strategies and the importance of self-awareness in managing these traits.

    So, buckle up and join them as they navigate this sensory smorgasbord. You might find a few relatable moments that make you say, "Same!"

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    27 mins
  • Episode 9: Tech's Double-Edged Sword; A Neurodivergent Perspective
    Sep 11 2024

    On this episode of CTRL + ALT + Think, hosts Amy and Megan tackle the love-hate relationship we all have with technology. From Megan’s trusty, 'borderline vintage' phone to Amy’s shiny new foldable gadget, they dish out personal stories on how tech has wedged itself into their daily routines—sometimes as a lifesaver, other times as a sneaky time thief.


    They chat about the pros of smart home devices and apps that help navigate life’s chaos (especially for neurodivergent folks) but also get real about the constant battle against tech’s siren call of endless distractions. Whether it’s games, social media, or just the digital noise, they explore how to find that sweet spot where tech helps rather than hinders. Tune in for a fun and thoughtful take on making technology work for you, not against you.

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    28 mins
  • Episode 8: Brain Gardening 101: How to Plant a Task and Help It Bloom (Priming the Pump)
    Sep 4 2024

    n this episode of Ctl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds, Amy and Megan dive into the fascinating world of information recall and task initiation, exploring how to "seed" thoughts in the brain for better productivity. They share personal experiences and practical strategies for using reminders, lists, and mental preparation to tackle routine and non-routine tasks. Whether it's about setting up a seasonal to-do list, using visual prompts, or priming the brain for coaching calls, this episode is packed with insights on how different techniques can help different brains manage tasks more effectively. Tune in to learn how these approaches can help you boost momentum and overcome executive function challenges

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    25 mins
  • Episode 7: The Unintended Subscription Trap: Managing Free Trials and Hidden Costs
    Aug 28 2024

    In this episode of "Ctl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds," Amy and Megan dive into the slippery world of subscriptions and free trials. From software to gym memberships, they explore how these seemingly small commitments can become big headaches, especially for those with executive function challenges. Tune in as they share personal stories, strategies, and a few laughs about managing, forgetting, and finally canceling those sneaky recurring charges. Summary Amy and Megan kick off this episode by discussing their shared experiences with subscriptions and free trials, highlighting how easy it is for neurodivergent individuals to get caught in the cycle of signing up and forgetting to cancel. They explore the emotional and logical barriers that make it difficult to let go of unused services, from the fear of missing out to the hassle of cancellations. Throughout the conversation, they offer practical strategies, such as setting calendar reminders, using virtual credit cards, and re-evaluating the true value of a subscription. They wrap up by acknowledging that while the subscription model is here to stay, it's possible to navigate it with a bit of forethought and a lot of reminders.

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    25 mins