Episode Playlist
Navigating Turbulence, Part 2: Turning overwhelm into information( 0:22:35)
Episode Information
Many people are taught to distrust their emotions—especially when they feel intense, confusing, or overwhelming. For neurodivergent people, this experience can be even more pronounced. Emotions may arrive more strongly, last longer, or be triggered in ways others do not understand.
This episode reframes painful emotions as information rather than failure. Anger can highlight boundaries or values being crossed. Frustration can signal that effort is being applied to a strategy that is not working. Confusion can indicate that learning is taking place, even when clarity has not yet emerged. Worry and anxiety often reflect repeated questions that can be changed.
By learning to interpret emotions rather than suppress them, it becomes possible to take small, intentional actions that shift experience. The goal is not to eliminate difficult feelings, but to use them as a guide for experimentation, adjustment, and growth.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 13/05/2026 2:30:00 p.m.
Navigating Turbulence, Part 1: Change Through a Neurodivergent Lens( 0:26:11)
Episode Information
Change is rarely the hardest part—the internal process that follows is where most people struggle. When a diagnosis, realisation, or shift in understanding occurs, it creates a gap between the old story and the new one. That gap can feel uncertain, confusing, and deeply unsettling.
This episode explores what is actually happening during that period. It introduces the distinction between change and transition, reframes turbulence as part of meaning-making, and walks through the emotional responses that often arise, including shock, grief, relief, fear, and guilt.
It also offers practical ways to navigate this space—through recognising emotional patterns, understanding the pendulum effect, and using simple anchoring questions. For additional support, resources aligned with this approach are available through Thrival Coaching.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 29/04/2026 2:30:00 p.m.
Dyslexia, Difference, and the Power of the Right Support (Interview)( 0:27:27)
Episode Information
Dyslexia is often misunderstood as a narrow set of reading difficulties, yet lived experience reveals something much broader. In this conversation, Sarah Davies shares how dyslexia showed up through misinterpretation, effort without matching results, and navigating systems that did not fit how she naturally processes information. Her journey reflects the impact of misunderstanding and the shift that becomes possible when understanding and practical support are introduced. The episode explores how education and workplaces can unintentionally reinforce struggle when they rely on one way of thinking, learning, or communicating. It also highlights the importance of recognising patterns, supporting individual differences, and creating environments where strengths can emerge alongside challenges.
If you are seeking grounded, strengths-based perspectives on neurodivergence, this episode offers practical insight. You can explore more resources and articles through Thrival Coaching, designed to support understanding, reflection, and meaningful change.
Visit https://thrivalcoaching.nz/neurodivergence-matters-podcast/ for resources related to this and other episodes.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 15/04/2026 2:30:00 p.m.
Masking in Neurodivergence: Energy Mapping and Burnout Prevention( 0:26:22)
Episode Information
Masking is a common strategy many neurodivergent people use to navigate environments that were not designed with their needs in mind. While masking can support participation in workplaces, schools, and social settings, it often requires sustained cognitive, emotional, and sensory effort. In this episode of Neurodivergence Matters, Stephen Harrison introduces a practical framework called energy mapping. The approach helps people recognise patterns in their daily activities, identify where energy is restored or depleted, and make small changes that reduce the risk of burnout.
The aim is not to remove challenge from life, but to build awareness and create days that include both effort and restoration. If you’re exploring ways to better understand neurodivergence in yourself or others, Thrival Coaching provides resources designed to support curiosity-led learning and practical understanding.
Visit https://thrivalcoaching.nz/neurodivergence-matters-podcast/ for resources related to this and other episodes.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 1/04/2026 2:30:00 p.m.
Masking in Neurodivergence: Why It Happens and What It Costs( 0:22:10)
Episode Information
Masking involves adjusting behaviour, communication, and self-presentation to appear more typical or acceptable. For many neurodivergent adults, it develops early as a response to criticism, confusion, or rejection. While masking can demonstrate adaptability and awareness, it often carries emotional, cognitive, and physical costs over time.
This episode explores masking through the lens of regulation, identity vs pathology, and recognising patterns. It examines the internal “moderator,” cognitive load, sensory processing strain, and burnout risk. Practical support strategies and accommodations are outlined for neurodivergent adults and for those in workplace, relationships, parenting, and leadership contexts.
Thrival Coaching resources expand on understanding neurodivergence, voluntary learning, and practical support approaches that reduce strain while preserving autonomy and choice."
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua, proudly supported by NZ On Air. Learn more at www.coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 18/03/2026 2:30:00 p.m.
Receiving a Neurodivergent Diagnosis( 0:26:59)
Episode Information
A diagnosis related to neurodivergence can feel overwhelming. For parents, it may bring grief. For adults, it may reopen old narratives of shame. Yet a diagnosis is information, not a sentence. It describes patterns of lifelong traits — it does not determine character, capacity, or quality of life.
In this episode, Stephen Harrison explores the distinction between identity and pathology, the influence of framing, and the research commonly referred to as the Pygmalion effect. Expectations shape outcomes — especially when clinical labels carry authority. A strengths-based, neuroinclusive frame alters trajectories in education, parenting, leadership, and relationships.
Practical tools include the Two-Column Reset, rewriting shame narratives, building a strengths inventory, identifying accommodations, and using a four-step reframing reset. For additional articles and reflective resources, explore Thrival Coaching and the Neurodivergence Matters series.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua, proudly supported by NZ On Air. Learn more at www.coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 4/03/2026 2:30:00 p.m.
What Is Neurodiversity? Understanding Difference Without Deficit( 0:22:29)
Episode Information
Neurodiversity is a word that’s increasingly familiar — yet still widely misunderstood. In this episode, Stephen Harrison explores what neurodiversity really means, reframing brain differences as natural human variation rather than problems to be fixed. The conversation gently unpacks where the concept came from, why it matters, and how it has shaped thinking in education, workplaces, families, and society more broadly.
Stephen also clarifies some of the most common points of confusion, including the difference between neurodivergent conditions and mental illness, the role and limits of diagnostic labels, and why the idea of a “spectrum” is often misunderstood. Along the way, he reflects on how historical assumptions and narrow research lenses have contributed to myths and harm — and how improved understanding has led to more inclusive and humane perspectives.
The episode closes with practical principles for supporting neurodivergent people with dignity and respect, starting not with labels or assumptions, but with curiosity, clear communication, and empathy. Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself, supporting someone you care about, or working in a leadership or helping role, this episode offers a grounded foundation for understanding difference without deficit.
Published: 18/02/2026 2:30:00 p.m.
Feedback without Fallout-Scripts that Work( 0:25:49)
Episode Information
Giving feedback—even positive feedback—can trigger defensiveness, shutdown, or misunderstanding, especially for neurodivergent people. In this episode, Stephen Harrison explores how to give feedback without fallout by focusing on safety, clarity, and choice.
You’ll learn why feedback can feel threatening, how language and structure influence nervous system responses, and how simple scripts can dramatically improve outcomes. Stephen introduces practical feedback models, including Intent–Impact–Invite, and walks through real examples from
workplaces, relationships, and teams.
Whether you’re a leader, parent, partner, or helping professional, this episode offers grounded, usable strategies for feedback that support growth rather than resistance.
Visit Stephen’s website (https://thrivalcoaching.nz/neurodivergence-matters-podcast/) for some resources that support this episode.
Published: 4/02/2026 2:30:00 p.m.
Meeting Makeover: From Overwhelm to Outcomes( 0:21:50)
Episode Information
Meetings are one of the most common—and most exhausting—workplace experiences for neurodivergent people. Ambiguity, fast turn-taking, sensory overload, and hidden rules can turn even short meetings into a draining exercise in masking and survival.
In this episode, Stephen Harrison explores why meetings fail neurodivergent participants and how small, practical changes can dramatically improve participation and outcomes. Drawing on over 30 years of project and change leadership, Stephen shares clear frameworks, scripts, and micro-fixes that facilitators can apply immediately.
This is not about slowing meetings down or lowering expectations. It’s about lowering the cognitive waterline so people can think, contribute, and be heard—benefiting neurodivergent and neurotypical participants alike.
For practical tools, thoughtful reflections, and support for neurodivergent people and those who care about them, visit https://thrivalcoaching.nz
Published: 14/01/2026 2:30:00 p.m.
Myths & Evidence( 0:23:1)
Episode Information
Neurodivergence is surrounded by myths—some dismissive, some harmful, and some stubbornly persistent despite substantial scientific evidence. In this episode of Neurodivergence Matters, Stephen Harrison explores where these myths come from and why they continue to shape public attitudes toward autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions.
Drawing on research, real-world examples, and his own lived experience as a neurodivergent person and parent, Stephen challenges ideas such as “we’re all like that,” “autism is rare,” “ADHD is laziness,” and “autistic people lack empathy.” He also explains why neurodivergence is not a mental illness, why “neurotypical” is an ideal rather than a reality, and how better diagnostics explain rising identification rates.
This episode is for neurodivergent adults, parents, educators, leaders, and helping professionals who want a grounded, evidence-based understanding—without hype, blame, or oversimplification.
If this episode resonated with you, you’ll find additional neurodivergence-related resources and ways to connect with Stephen at https://thrivalcoaching.nz
Published: 31/12/2025 2:30:00 p.m.
From brain surgery to AuDHD: how neurodivergence shaped my life and coaching.( 0:28:3)
Episode Information
What happens when you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, quietly struggling yourself, and the systems around you don’t yet have language for your brain? In this honest conversation, I share my own story—from being reported for abuse because my child screamed for hours at bedtime, through early ADHD and Asperger’s diagnoses, to finally recognising that I am both autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) decades later.
I talk about how a benign brain tumour and emergency surgery stripped away my masking, left me emotionally raw, and forced me to relearn what it meant to feel, connect, and belong. You’ll hear how fixation, intensity, and structure helped me build a successful career in software and project management, and how those same traits made reinvention and sales as a coach much harder than they look from the outside.
This episode sets the scene for Neurodivergence Matters: a space for neurodivergent adults, parents, leaders, and helping professionals who want to understand autism, ADHD, masking, and neuro-inclusiveness in real life—not in theory. If you see yourself or someone you love in this story, you’re in the right place.
Published: 17/12/2025 2:30:00 p.m.
Meet Stephen Harrison, Host of Neurodivergence Matters( 0:15:25)
Episode Information
Episode 0 of Neurodivergence Matters introduces your host, Stephen Harrison—a neuroinclusive and change coach whose path ran from software development and project management into coaching, and eventually into recognising his own neurodivergence. Stephen shares how his eldest child’s diagnoses first opened the door to ADHD and autism, and why it took the updated diagnostic criteria for co-occurring autism and ADHD to finally “click” for him.
You’ll hear the origin story of his book, Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergence, which started life as an appendix for two other books: one for partners of neurodivergent people and one for leaders of neurodivergent teams. Stephen explains how the book outlines 17 neurodivergent conditions in accessible language—covering history, societal bias, observable traits, and practical strategies at home, at work, and in relationships—without attempting diagnosis.
Stephen also reflects on writing in a time of backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion, and why he believes people who care about neurodivergent minds don’t need a mandate to keep learning. You’ll get a taste of upcoming episodes on myths about neurodivergence, workplace and relationship strategies, and interviews with neurodivergent people and their families—all grounded in lived experience, curiosity, and a hopeful, neuro-inclusive lens.
Published: 3/12/2025 2:30:00 p.m.