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Neurodivergent Nenny

Neurodivergent Nenny

By Jenny

Hi, I'm Jenny (not Nenny, like the title suggests. I used to call myself "Nenny" before I could pronounce my "Js." And I just love alliteration in a title.
My whole life, I've wondered what the heck was wrong with me - why I never fit in, but then I realized I was autistic! Now I'm just trying to figure it all out, and I hope you'll come along for the ride!
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Currently playing episode

Gratitude Challenge Results!

Neurodivergent NennyAug 20, 2022

00:00
14:47
Gratitude Challenge Results!

Gratitude Challenge Results!

We catch up with each other to discuss our 21-day Gratitude Challenge - each day we were to record at least 10 things we were grateful for in an attempt to improve our mental health. Tune in to find out how it went!

Aug 20, 202214:47
Summer Break Check-in Part II & Gratitude Challenge!

Summer Break Check-in Part II & Gratitude Challenge!

We check in again at the half-way mark of our summer break. We also decide to do a 21-day gratitude challenge, which we invite you to try as well!! We actually recorded this on July 19th, which makes today Day 3 of our challenge! Sorry it's a bit late!

Follow us on Instagram  @jennyhierlihy OR @moulton13

and on Facebook.  Send us a message to let us know what you are grateful for and if this challenge works for you!!

Jul 21, 202230:41
Summer Break Check-in Part I

Summer Break Check-in Part I

We check in with each other 10 days into our summer break (yup, this is an older recording from June)  :I

Shout-outs go to Rosalyn, Air North-Yukon's Airline, and apparently also Hal Johnson & Joanne McLeod LOL

Follow us on Instagram @jennyhierlihy  AND @moulton13

or on Facebook  

Jul 20, 202229:46
Trick Your Anxiety Into Oblivion!

Trick Your Anxiety Into Oblivion!

We found a few minutes to sit down to discuss some of the tricks we do to help ease our anxiety. Let us know some of the tricks you use! FOLLOW US! On YouTube! Instagram: @jennyhierlihy and @moulton13 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/339327986624551/ 1. Name it To Tame It - Concept is derived from the book by Daniel Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D, entitled:  " The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind"  THE LINK:  https://www.amazon.ca/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697/ref=asc_df_0553386697?tag=bingshopdesk-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80264440487530&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583863988743395&psc=1 2. Fear Into Excitement:  I really enjoyed this article by Katie Linder:  https://www.drkatielinder.com/5-ways-to-turn-fear-into-excitement/ 3. Changing Body Temperature: Check out this article that we find interesting: https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/body-temperature
Jul 07, 202229:48
Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety

We get together to discuss what it's like to have social anxiety. Many people live for an average of 10 years before receiving this life-changing diagnosis! Join us as we chat about our triggers, some unhealthy habits, and reaching out! And if you have social anxiety, remember, you are not alone! Check out our question section, and leave a response :)
Jun 20, 202255:57
Windows Matter!

Windows Matter!

Please welcome Mallory! She is the other admin at our work and she loves podcasts! She has joined The Friendly Brain podcast family while Jessica is growing another human! Baby #3 is on the way, so we will hear more from Jess later on. In the meantime, Mallory and I discuss why we've been on hiatus, our work situation, and why windows matter! Hope you enjoy!

PS - I apologize for my echoey voice! Not sure what was going on there :)

Follow us on Instagram:  @jennyhierlihy AND @moulton13

Facebook: The Friendly Brain Podcast




Jun 04, 202227:31
A Chat with Shanny, Founder of Raising Littles
Jun 05, 202139:36
Healthy and Unhealthy Guilt

Healthy and Unhealthy Guilt

Everyone has felt guilty about something or other in their life, but what is healthy guilt, and what is unhealthy guilt? How does each play an important role in our mental state? On this episode we explore just that and more so don't miss out!! (We don't want YOU to feel guilty!) ;)

May 19, 202129:54
Birth Trauma and Postpartum PTSD - Michelle's Story

Birth Trauma and Postpartum PTSD - Michelle's Story

Michelle is Jenny's cousin and for as long as she's known her (her entire life of 34 years), Michelle has dreamed of being a mom. In 2018 her dream came true when she learned she was expecting her son, Noah, and she was ecstatic! Throughout an event-less, textbook pregnancy, excitement grew and grew! Then as Michelle's water broke, the delivery took a bit of an unexpected turn. Michelle finally delivered him via c-section after a long and grueling labor. Tune in to this deep, graphic, and honest birth story episode to find out what happened in the delivery room, the weeks and months postpartum, and how she's coping nowadays. 



May 01, 202101:03:00
March Check-In & Pandemic Burnout

March Check-In & Pandemic Burnout

We check in and talk about "Pandemic Burnout". 

Mar 07, 202122:18
February Check In and Amping Up Self-Care

February Check In and Amping Up Self-Care

We chat over Zoom one evening this past week to hear what the other is doing for self care. For Jess, January was a rough one...How is she doing now? 

Feb 14, 202119:59
First Check-in of 2021

First Check-in of 2021

We check-in with each other after the holidays because it's been awhile. We also chat about our goals and what we've been doing to keep afloat during the darkest time of year.

Jan 17, 202121:27
Friendly Brain Check-In and Gratitude

Friendly Brain Check-In and Gratitude

Jess and I chat about how the last few weeks have been for us as we battle the brutal northern weather...no, it hasn't been too brutal but we have definitely had our challenges (and triumphs)!
We also discuss how gratitude is a handy and effective tool to help fight depression and anxiety. Listen about it here!
And please bear with us, as the sound quality in a couple places is a bit sketchy. Gotta love technology!
Nov 30, 202029:10
Planning For Anxiety Triggers

Planning For Anxiety Triggers

If you've been living with anxiety, you won't want to miss this episode! We chat about our anxiety, what it's like to have it, when it hits the worst, and what we're doing to work on it. When we recorded this, I mentioned counting backwards as one of my tricks but I blanked on where I'd read about it. Just want to shout out to Mel Robbins, founder of the 5-4-3-2-1 rule. She is a motivational speaker and a wise, wise lady.
Nov 01, 202029:17
26: What Does a Paramedic Do?

26: What Does a Paramedic Do?

First responders such as police, firefighters, and paramedics have the highest rates of PTSD, with suicide rates soaring. I chat with Rian about his training and what his job entails. We also talk about what you can expect if you call 911 for a mental or emotional reason.
Jan 29, 202001:00:46
25: Full Circle - Back from Treatment , & Recovering

25: Full Circle - Back from Treatment , & Recovering

I went to treatment and now I'm back! Sit in and listen as I tell Kristy all about it.
Nov 04, 201901:45:36
24: Mindfulness Meditation with Daniel

24: Mindfulness Meditation with Daniel

Daniel guides you through a mindful meditation. The first one is a grounding meditation and at the end I encourage you to focus on your breath until he begins a visual meditation.
Oct 11, 201910:41
23: PTSD - Daniel's Story

23: PTSD - Daniel's Story

Daniel is a 42 year old man from Vancouver with a diagnosis of PTSD. In this episode we talk about how it all began, from his childhood, to his teen years, to what his life is like today. After a workplace accident last year, his life changed forever. Listen to the story of the man with nine lives.

Oct 10, 201901:00:35
22: All or Nothing - Maya's Story

22: All or Nothing - Maya's Story

Maya is a 23-year-old from Vancouver, British Columbia who has been battling all-or-nothing mentality for about 10 years. This led to an eating disorder and problems with alcohol abuse. She is currently at an impatient treatment center working really hard to change her life. This is a story of strength and courage.
Sep 29, 201954:16
21: Starting Treatment & Recovery

21: Starting Treatment & Recovery

I sit down in my van with my friend Amanda as she asks me questions about my impending stay at a mental health treatment facility. I leave in 2 days to go to a 7-week program. What would you want to ask someone heading to treatment?
Aug 20, 201901:40:52
20: Trailer: Road to Recovery Series

20: Trailer: Road to Recovery Series

Just a little shout-out to let you know that I am going to be doing a series documenting my road to recovery in a mental health treatment facility. Please send me your questions about this, as I would love to be able to answer them in a segment.
Aug 15, 201901:55
19: Guest Submission: My Existential Crisis

19: Guest Submission: My Existential Crisis

I read a submission from a guest listener named Astrid Lantz. She writes about her existential crisis. Thanks, Astrid!
Aug 10, 201907:39
18: Whuttup Wednesday

18: Whuttup Wednesday

Tune in every Wednesday to see how we conquered our week.
May 02, 201920:36
17: Post Partum Depression - Krista's Story

17: Post Partum Depression - Krista's Story

Ever had PPD or known someone who may have had it? Listen to Krista's story to find out how she coped.
May 02, 201901:29:34
16: Post Partum Anxiety, Round 2 - Jessica's Back!

16: Post Partum Anxiety, Round 2 - Jessica's Back!

In this episode, I sit down once again with Jessica to talk about what it's been like for her since her second baby was born in late December. Once again, I'd like to point out how grateful I am to have a guest like her on the show because she is so willing to be honest which I feel helps others relate so well. If you have any questions for Jessica, please feel free to email me because we're going to have her back on the show so I can always pass these questions along to her.
Mar 10, 201956:07
15: That's A Lot Of Therapy - A Chat With Jocelyn

15: That's A Lot Of Therapy - A Chat With Jocelyn

Ever wonder what kinds of therapy there are besides what we see in the movies? Jocelyn takes us on her journey of exploring various types of therapy from CBT to EMDR...and lots in between.
Feb 18, 201901:17:36
14: Parenting With a Mental Illness

14: Parenting With a Mental Illness

In this episode, I sit down and chat with Kristy about what it's like to be a parent to three awesome kids but also have a mental illness. We talked about how depression and anxiety has shaped the way I parent, the pros and cons of having a mental illness, and how bloody cold it is outside.
Feb 04, 201901:00:41
13: Loneliness

13: Loneliness

What's the difference between loneliness and being alone? Tune in to this episode and find out! I chat with Cheryl about what it feels like to be lonely and what things we can do to feel less alone. Did you know that loneliness has become a Public Health crisis in North America? Not good!
Jan 20, 201959:15
12: Vicarious Trauma - Meet Carly

12: Vicarious Trauma - Meet Carly

I chat with Carly about her experience with vicarious trauma. This is interesting, as she doesn't work in a job that would be necessarily classified as high-risk for this type of stress. I guess that just proves that anyone is susceptible.
Dec 24, 201858:15
11: Prenatal and Postpartum Anxiety - Getting Real With Jessica

11: Prenatal and Postpartum Anxiety - Getting Real With Jessica

Jessica showed up at my house and we had a nice little chat about her prenatal anxiety with her current pregnancy and also what it was like when she miscarried her first pregnancy and then got pregnant again soon after. This is an honest and heartfelt conversation and I just want to thank her once again for being so open.
Dec 17, 201801:00:14
10: All About Recovery - The Rest of Stephen's Story

10: All About Recovery - The Rest of Stephen's Story

I sit down with Stephen again and we have a pretty candid conversation about his recovery from sex and opiate addiction. This guy uses pretty much every resource available for support, and it is working! Hope you can tune in and listen to his story.
Dec 10, 201801:27:44
9: All About Addiction - Stephen's Story

9: All About Addiction - Stephen's Story

I sit down with Stephen and have an in-depth conversation about addiction. Thanks again for all the insight, dude. Can't wait to chat again!
Dec 03, 201845:10
8: Reaching Out
Nov 26, 201844:15
7: Depression Sucks! Part 2

7: Depression Sucks! Part 2

Segment 2 of my conversation with Kristy as we talk about my experience with depression and anxiety for the last 20-plus years.
Nov 21, 201855:12
6: Depression Sucks! Part 1

6: Depression Sucks! Part 1

I sit down with Kristy and talk about what it's been like to have chronic depression for more than 20 years. This is part 1 of 2 segments.
Nov 12, 201856:54
5: Anxiety, Modifications, and Meds, Oh My!

5: Anxiety, Modifications, and Meds, Oh My!

I learned quite a bit about anxiety and what a roller-coaster medication can be. Cheryl paints a realistic picture of what it is like to constantly deal with this on a daily basis.
Nov 05, 201801:12:58
4: How ADHD Can Shape One's Mental Health

4: How ADHD Can Shape One's Mental Health

I chat with Cheryl, a 31 year old Calgarian living with ADHD, among other things. She gets candid "SQUIRREL!!" (haha) about what it's like to live with ADHD and how that has affected her mental health over the years.
Oct 28, 201858:37
3: The Link Between High Sensitivity and Mental Illness

3: The Link Between High Sensitivity and Mental Illness

Highly sensitive people make up 20% of our population. They come with a lot of amazing traits, but those same traits can sometimes lead to depression.
Oct 25, 201854:55
2: Welcome back, Kristy!

2: Welcome back, Kristy!

I reconnect with Kristy as she discusses her struggles with teenage anxiety and grief...as well as bowel issues....who knew?!
Oct 21, 201856:34
1: Welcome to The Grey Matters

1: Welcome to The Grey Matters

I sit down and chat with my little sis about her journey with anxiety and depression. Stay tuned for part 2 when we discuss her teen years to adulthood.

Oct 21, 201848:50