Alle Episoden
Neurodivergent Plus Disabled, And I Thrive
15.04.2026, 04:01
Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/s3e13transcript
Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn
Summary
In this episode, I get the chance to chat with Mark Travis Rivera, an award-winning creative entrepreneur and storyteller. We discuss Mark's journey of embracing his neurodivergence, the importance of storytelling, and how dance has shaped his identity, especially as someone with a physical disability. Mark shares his story as a Brown, neurodivergent, disabled, queer man, including the impact of losing his brother and how it propelled him to pursue his passions. He also discusses how his "macho" older cousin changed his life by investing in his first dance gear, even though it wasn't his thing. He shares his belief in the power of connection through personal narratives, the challenges he faced growing up, and how he broke generational curses by becoming the first in his family to graduate college. During our discussion, Mark told me about how Oprah inspired him to honor one's calling in life. This episode is about highlighting the importance of creating inspiring spaces that reflect one's journey and the stories of those who have influenced them. He firmly makes the case for the power of stories to create empathy and understanding, as well as the beauty of being different.
Key Points
- Storytelling is a powerful tool for inclusion, understanding and connection.
- Mark's work is centered around creating a more inclusive world through storytelling.
- You can align your entrepreneurial journey with your neurodivergent needs.
- The power of stories lies in their ability to create empathy and connection. Dance is a powerful form of expression and healing.
- There's ancestral wisdom in using movement to process grief and emotions.
- Embracing one's identity is crucial for personal growth.
- Disability should be embraced, not shamed.
- Honoring your calling is essential for personal fulfillment.
- Routine can significantly impact mood and focus, especially for neurodivergent individuals.
- Leaning into one's differences can reveal unique strengths and perspectives.
Stay in Contact with Mark:
- @marktravrivera on Instagram
- Learn more about his speaking, coaching, and other work: https://marktravisrivera.com
- Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-travis-rivera
Helpful Links:
- Hire me to speak or as your personal gifted or neurodivergent discovery coach!: https://sheldongayisbugn.com
- Free list of Therapists for Melanated and Marginalized Groups: https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/therapistsformypeople
- Free GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNG
- ND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.app
- Umbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/resources
- "Never Can Say Goodbye" book by Darnell Lamont Walker :https://rep.club/products/never-can-say-goodbye?srsltid=AfmBOorDmuTkA-ekY17rQ0xp-NGkNhjSNG3MmMVjCACreVjGTmh0rBkj
Keywords
neurodivergence, storytelling, inclusion, dance, identity, creativity, entrepreneurship, personal growth, mental health, healing, disability, identity, expression, grief, intersectionality, connection, resilience, generational curses, self-love, empathy, personal growth, cerebral palsy, books, book snob
Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Intelligence Doesn't Follow the Rules
10.04.2026, 12:41
Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/106LAoMc6XM9rF8ncpNwK_CsxtHZL9PCLkJRXeeebH3Q/edit?usp=sharing
Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn
Summary
In this short reflection episode, I talk about a few key reflections on my recent episode with Aurora Remember. I discuss the importance of understanding yourself, particularly via diagnosis and self-acceptance. The power of authenticity can change our jobs and our relationships. I also highlight her push for us to lean into self-regulation rather than self-control. Lastly, I give my thoughts on why intelligence can't be expected to follow the rules or align with intuition. Check out the full episode (Season 3 - Episode 11) for the complete experience.
Key Points
- Authenticity is risky but rewarding
- We need to quiet the voice that tells us we need to be controlled rather than loved
- Intelligence is complex and not hierarchical
Stay In Touch with Aurora:
- @auroraremember on most platforms (embracing intensity on YouTube and IG)
- Embracing Intensity Podcast - https://embracingintensity.com/media/podcast/
- Aurora's Website - https://embracingintensity.com
Helpful Links:
- Hire me to speak or as your personal coach! sheldongayisbugn.com
- Database of Therapists for Black and other Marginalized Groups: https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/therapistsformypeople
- Free GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNG
- ND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.app
- Umbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/
Keywords
diagnosis, authenticity, self-regulation, self-control, intelligence, neurodiversity, accommodations, mental health, personal growth, belonging
Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How Intensity Can Signal Inspiration
25.03.2026, 10:00
Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yv2NuYvVBDFsNlFQ3YP531x65wKnWuk3_DjkPR2SjI0/edit?usp=sharing
Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn
Summary
In this episode, I speak with Aurora Remember, a school psychologist and host of the "Embracing Intensity" podcast. We discuss the concept of neurodivergence, the difference between self-control and self-regulation, burnout and how to recover from it as well as how to improve the school experience for neurodivergent learners, especially twice-exceptional ones and those with disabilities. Aurora shares her personal journey of embracing her intensity and the challenges faced by gifted individuals. We go on to discuss the importance of creatively engaging the brain in learning, the challenges parents face in modern times, and the need for a shift in educational approaches to accommodate diverse learning styles. She also dispels the myth that "higher-level thinking" is hierarchical. Aurora shares insights that apply to everything from schools, friendships and even dating.
Key Points
- Intensity can overwhelm some but it can also be a strength.
- Neurodivergence includes a range of experiences that deviate from the norm.
- Self-regulation is more effective than self-control for managing energy.
- Authenticity is crucial for personal and professional fulfillment.
- Schools often overlook the internal struggles of neurodivergent students.
- Challenging preconceived notions in education can lead to better outcomes.
- Higher-level thinking is not always hierarchical, especially with neurodivergent minds.
- Creative problem-solving is essential for engaging gifted students.
- "Basic" tasks can be difficult for neurodivergent individuals.
- It's important to find joy in everyday tasks.
- Ditching all-or-nothing thinking can lead to better outcomes.
Stay in Contact with Aurora:
- @auroraremember on most platforms (embracing intensity on YouTube and IG)
- Embracing Intensity Podcast - https://embracingintensity.com/media/podcast/
- Aurora's Website - https://embracingintensity.com
Helpful Links:
- Hire me to speak or as your personal gifted or neurodivergent discovery coach!: https://sheldongayisbugn.com
- Free list of Therapists for Melanated and Marginalized Groups: https://sheldongayisbugn.com/#resources
- Free GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNG
- ND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.app
- Umbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/resources
Keywords
neurodivergence, burnout recovery, energy management, giftedness, self-regulation, education, authenticity, creativity, school psychology, embracing intensity, neurodiversity, twice-exceptional, education, parenting, learning challenges, self-regulation, higher-level thinking, emotional intelligence, energy balance, communication
Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why Adults in Schools Matter
11.03.2026, 20:13
Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zgSP6jBArpGXJ0hDdJkjdQls-w4rb3aUKgXV2aT8mGo/edit?usp=sharing
Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn
Summary
In this short, reflection episode, I talk about a few key reflections on my recent episode with Shakela Strawberry. I discuss the importance of adult's taking responsibility for educating our youth, including neurodivergent children. I speak about how the education industry can be a powerful arm of the oppressive systems we're fighting against. I also discuss the relevancy to recent developments regarding the US Department of Education's attempts to remove DEI initiatives. I also urge us to continue to imagine new educational paradigms that promote freedom and peace for all.
Key Points
- What the adults in schools need for success
- Why we need to pay attention to how our schools are structured
- The impact of the Education Department's "Dear Colleague Letter" defeat regarding DEI
Helpful Links:
- A.D.E. website: www.audacitytodaretoeducate.org
- Follow A.D.E. on Instagram: a_d_e_lab
- A.D.E. on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audacitytodaretoeducate/
- Email Shakela: shakela@audacitytodaretoeducate.org
- Hire me to speak or as your personal coach! sheldongayisbugn.com
- Free GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNG
- ND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.app
- Umbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/
Keywords
dear colleague, neurodivergence, advocacy, education, minority youth, parenting, school-to-prison pipeline, accommodations, giftedness, diversity, community
Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Maybe They're Not 'Bad' Kids, They're Just Neurodivergent
26.02.2026, 22:10
Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RsG6zlv0jLTM7nK1CIR3VgjK4W57S5qVnxmlCVmqaMA/edit?usp=sharing
Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn
Summary
In this episode, I chat with Shakela Strawberry, a mom, special-education teacher and non-profit founder who is a dedicated advocate for neurodivergent people. Shakela shares her journey from being a mother to an advocate and educator, highlighting the challenges faced by neurodivergent children in the education system. She discusses her nonprofit, A.D.E. (Audacity to Dare to Educate), which empowers neurodivergent folks. We talk about the complexities of mental health, especially as it relates to Black and otherwise melanated youth. She also speaks to the importance of having empathy as a parent and an educator. This leads to discussions such as how depression often manifests as anger in young Black men. Shakela shares alarming statistics about neurodivergence in education and its relationship to juvenile detention. She also discusses the importance of recognizing the strengths of neurodivergent people and the historical context of education for marginalized communities. This is a really good episode for parents, educators and those who felt the school system treated them more like a problem to fix than a human whose needs deserved support.
Key Points
- Neurodivergence is often misunderstood and misrepresented in education.
- Labels can be harmful and do not define a person's abilities.
- Neurodivergent individuals have unique strengths that should be embraced.
- Parents can educate themselves on how to support their neurodivergent children.
- Understanding the root cause of behavior is crucial for effective parenting.
- Community education is essential for understanding neurodivergence.
- Empathy can be cultivated through experiential learning and simulations.
- The school-to-prison pipeline disproportionately affects neurodivergent youth.
- Accommodations like audiobooks can significantly aid learning for neurodivergent students.
- A world where people are free to accept themselves without stigma is crucial to empowering neurodivergent individuals.
Helpful Links:
- A.D.E. website: www.audacitytodaretoeducate.org
- Follow A.D.E. on Instagram: a_d_e_lab
- A.D.E. on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audacitytodaretoeducate/
- Email Shakela: shakela@audacitytodaretoeducate.org
- Hire me to speak or as your personal coach! sheldongayisbugn.com
- Free GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNG
- ND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.app
- Umbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/
Keywords
neurodivergence, advocacy, education, dyslexia, special education, creative learning, equity, awareness, empowerment, depression, minority youth, parenting, school-to-prison pipeline, accommodations, giftedness, diversity, community
Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.