Episode 108 (Season 2): Using Creativity to Anchor into Aliveness and Humanity

Creativity isn’t just a spark or a talent—it’s a vital tether to our humanness, especially in a world that can feel overwhelming or isolating for neurodivergent people. Whether you feel energized and alive, or stuck in a season of fatigue, the pursuit and practice of creativity can connect us to ourselves, our aliveness, and our communities. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, diiscuss what creativity truly means as neurodivergent people navigating complex feelings of energy, burnout, connection, and disconnection. They share personal experiences with creative flow, discuss the role of embodiment and play in sparking new ideas, explore how creativity acts as resistance against dehumanizing forces, and reflect on how moments of aliveness are often intertwined with pain and longing. Through honest conversation, they highlight how creativity is not only a coping tool, but a way to metabolize emotion, reclaim joy, and find meaning—even in dark seasons. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Hear thought-provoking discussion on creativity as an act of reclaiming humanness—not just productivity or output—and learn how it can ground us during difficult times. Gain practical, relatable insights into how movement, community, connection, and even music can help reignite creativity and support emotional regulation for neurodivergent listeners. Listen to honest, nuanced reflections about the bittersweet nature of aliveness, the link between creativity and pain, and how to recognize when solitude is helpful versus when it becomes isolating. If you’re longing for creative sparks or seeking permission to honor your energy cycles and emotions, this episode offers validation and gentle encouragement. Join Patrick and Megan Anna as they unpack what creativity means for neurodivergent lives—and find new inspiration to show up for yourself, wherever you are, and reconnect with your own aliveness. ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️ Spotify 🎙️ Apple 🎙️ YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube 💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsor: Jane ✨ Jane : Jane is a practice management software and EMR that helps you balance caring for clients while growing your business. Co-founded by a multidisciplinary clinic owner and a developer with an eye for design, it’s built to fit the way that you work, supporting your practice as it grows and evolves. Jane helps with day-to-day admin, like scheduling, documentation, and billing, so you can stay focused on the care you give. Jane was built with clients in mind, too. With online booking and secure online appointments (telehealth), your care stays accessible and easy to keep up with. To learn more about Jane, book a demo for a one-on-one, no-pressure chat with a lovely member of their team. Or, if you’re ready to sign up, enjoy a 2-month grace period on your new account with code DCPOD . Sign up here: janesoftware.partnerlinks.io/divergentconversations ✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources ———————————————————————————————— 💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground Divergent Conversations Underground is a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com ———————————————————————————————— Mentioned in this episode: Jane Jane is a clinic management software and EMR designed to be an extra set of helping hands in your health and wellness business. Available online and on any device, Jane has branded online booking, scheduling, insurance billing, customizable documentation templates and online forms, integrated payments, telehealth, and more — wrapped up in one beautiful package that even your patients/clients will love. Backed by our unlimited human support available by phone, email, and chat (even on Saturdays!), Jane is here to help you get back to the work you love. Get 2 months off new Jane subscriptions when you use code DCPOD at signup. Visit: https://janesoftware.partnerlinks.io/divergentconversations Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources