The Neurodivergent Entrepreneur

What happens when a TV show, book series, fictional universe, or character becomes so much more than entertainment?
Patrick Casale is joined by returning guest and ADHD Executive Function Coach Mandi Dixon for a deep dive into Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and the powerful role special interests can play in neurodivergent lives.
From favorite characters and dragons to Autistic-coded characters, PDA, hyperfixation, and the emotional devastation of a terrible series finale, Patrick and Mandi explore why fictional worlds can become sources of joy, nervous system regulation, connection, belonging, and escape. They also unpack something that isn't discussed nearly enough: the genuine grief that can happen when a special interest ends or suddenly stops providing the comfort it once did.
And yes—there are major Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon spoilers, so consider yourself warned.
3 Key Takeaways:
Special interests can be much more than hobbies. For neurodivergent people, they can provide regulation, connection, belonging, predictability, and a place to experience genuine unmasked joy.
Losing a special interest can create real grief. Finishing a beloved series, losing connection with an interest, or watching a fictional world come to an end can leave a surprisingly significant emotional void.
Shared interests can transform neurodivergent connection. When people are given space to enthusiastically discuss what they love without masking or judgment, perceived "social deficits" can look very different—revealing connection, depth, and genuine enthusiasm instead.

More about Mandi:
Mandi Dixon is a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR therapist, and ADHD Executive Function Coach specializing in the intersection of ADHD and perimenopause in women. She’s a member of The Menopause Society and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and her work has been featured in USA Today and Good Morning America. Mandi is based in Allen, Texas, where she sees clients and is currently writing her first book on ADHD and midlife hormonal health.
Instagram: @Adhdmenopausetherapist
Website: https://www.mandidixonco.com
Website: https://mymenopauserx.com

–––––––––––––––––––––
🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org
🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify
🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast
🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube
🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault
✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats
🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community
🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape
–––––––––––––––––––––
Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!
✨ The Receptionist for iPad
Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
Free Gifts for Our Listeners
✨ Free Podcasting Workbook
Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.
You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.
Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook
✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur
Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work.
Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur

What if the goal isn't to "fix" your ADHD—but to finally stop fighting yourself?
In this episode, Patrick Casale sits down with mental health advocate, content creator, and digital strategist Kyrus Keenan Westcott, whose honest, anti-toxic positivity approach has resonated with nearly 3 million followers. Together, they explore the realities of living with ADHD, executive dysfunction, burnout, perfectionism, and the lifelong process of self-acceptance.
From navigating corporate life and social media to unpacking internalized ableism and learning to work with your brain instead of against it, this conversation is a grounded reminder that progress isn't about becoming someone else—it's about building a life that fits who you already are.
You'll learn:
Why self-acceptance—not perfection—is one of the most powerful tools for navigating ADHD and neurodivergent life.
How internalized ableism, unrealistic expectations, and toxic productivity can fuel burnout, shame, and self-criticism.
What it really takes to create an authentic life and career, including balancing mental health, content creation, and meaningful work without pretending to have it all figured out.

More about Kyrus:
Kyrus Keenan Westcott, who simply goes by Ky, is a social media content creator, mental health advocate, and digital strategist based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Diagnosed with ADHD (Inattentive Type) at age 34, alongside Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Existential OCD, Ky has dedicated his platform to making conversations about mental health, burnout, and executive dysfunction highly approachable.
Known for his realistic, optimistic, and anti-toxic positivity approach, he adds a much-needed sense of levity to mental health content, validating the very real struggles of neurodivergence while encouraging personal accountability. When he is not speaking on stages or building his content empire of nearly 3 million followers, Ky is quietly balancing a second full-time career as a Senior Paid Media Strategist, giving him a deep, personal understanding of corporate burnout and the demands of modern professional life. He lives with his two cats and is a massive fan of theme parks, professional wrestling, and musical theater.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevibewithky
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thevibewithky
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thevibewithky
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thevibewithky
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thevibewithky
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyruskeenanwestcott
Website: https://thevibewithky.com

–––––––––––––––––––––
🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org
🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify
🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast
🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube
🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault
✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats
🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community
🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape
–––––––––––––––––––––
Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!
✨ The Receptionist for iPad
Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
Free Gifts for Our Listeners
✨ Free Podcasting Workbook
Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.
You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.
Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook
✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur
Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work.
Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur
Mentioned in this episode:
The Receptionist for iPad
 The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

Building a successful business isn't just about strategy—it's about finding people who truly understand how your brain works.
In this episode, Patrick Casale shares the deeply personal story behind the creation of the NeuroPreneur Circle and why he believes community is one of the most important ingredients for sustainable entrepreneurship. Drawing from his own experiences with autism, ADHD, chronic illness, masking, and searching for belonging, he explains what makes this space different and why connection can be just as transformative as business coaching.
Whether you've struggled to find your place, felt misunderstood in traditional entrepreneurial spaces, or simply want to build your business alongside people who "get it," this episode offers a glimpse into the vision behind a community designed by and for neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
You'll learn:
Why belonging and authentic community are essential for long-term success as a neurodivergent entrepreneur.
How masking, chronic overwhelm, and feeling misunderstood can impact both your business and your wellbeing—and what supportive community can change.
What makes the NeuroPreneur Circle different, including its focus on practical business support, genuine connection, and neurodiversity-affirming resources without replacing therapy.

Learn more about the NeuroPreneur Circle here: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community
–––––––––––––––––––––
🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org
🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify
🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast
🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube
🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault
✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats
🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community
🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape
–––––––––––––––––––––
Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!
✨ The Receptionist for iPad
Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
Free Gifts for Our Listeners
✨ Free Podcasting Workbook
Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.
You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.
Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook
✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur
Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work.
Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur
Mentioned in this episode:
The Receptionist for iPad
 The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Gabrielle Juliano-Villani pull back the curtain on what entrepreneurship really looks like when you're neurodivergent.
From burnout and chronic illness to purpose, friendship, travel, and creating businesses that actually fit your brain, this conversation explores the realities that rarely make it onto social media. They also share why they created the free Diverge Summit—a first-of-its-kind event bringing together more than 20 experts to talk about the intersection of neurodivergence, entrepreneurship, nervous system regulation, chronic health, creativity, and sustainable success.
Whether you're autistic, ADHD, living with chronic illness, or simply trying to build a business without losing yourself in the process, this episode is an honest reminder that success doesn't have to come at the expense of your wellbeing.
You'll learn:
Why traditional definitions of success often lead neurodivergent entrepreneurs to burnout—and how to build a business that actually supports your life.
How purpose, community, and authentic relationships can create more sustainable motivation than chasing validation or achievement.
What to expect from the free Diverge Summit, featuring 23 conversations on entrepreneurship, chronic illness, nervous system regulation, creativity, and neurodivergent success.

Sign up for the free Diverge Summit here: https://www.allthingspractice.com/diverge
More about Gabrielle:
Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a licensed clinical social worker, consultant, coach, entrepreneur, and educator based in Sarasota, FL. She has been in the mental health field for over a decade specializing in stress, chronic health conditions, and trauma.
After realizing her own burnout in 2021, she sold her thriving group practice and made it her mission to educate others on the impact stress has on our everyday lives. Gabrielle pulls from her experience as an EMDR and Polyvagal Informed therapist to utilize mind/body approaches to help others implement everyday strategies to manage stress and live their best lives.
Gabrielle is an international speaker, retreat leader, and has been featured in Authority Magazine, The Daily Om, Bustle, and the Everyday Woman TV Network. When she's not working, Gabrielle is teaching Zumba, surfing, or reading a psychological thriller at the beach.
Website: https://gabriellejulianovillani.com

–––––––––––––––––––––
🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org
🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify
🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast
🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube
🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault
✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats
🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community
🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape
–––––––––––––––––––––
Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!
✨ The Receptionist for iPad
Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
Free Gifts for Our Listeners
✨ Free Podcasting Workbook
Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.
You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.
Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook
✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur
Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work.
Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur
Join the FREE Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Summit
Mentioned in this episode:
The Receptionist for iPad
 The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Becky Pierson Davidson, founder of Affinity Collective, about what it really takes to build meaningful, sustainable online communities—including for neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
Becky shares insights from her journey in product strategy, UX, and community design, plus the hard truths about memberships, monetization, and why passion-driven communities thrive.
3 key takeaways:
Community is the long game: Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built on real relationships, consistency, and showing up, not just choosing a platform or chasing quick wins.
Engagement beats audience size: It’s not about how many follow you, but about the quality of connection and engagement. Even a community of 2,000 can be incredibly powerful if involved and connected.
Start small and experiment: You can begin with conversations, coffee meetups, or even small group coworking—don’t rush into building giant platforms. Let your members’ needs and energy guide the journey.

If you’re interested in practical strategies for designing authentic, member-centric communities (and how to avoid common pitfalls), definitely check out Becky and the Affinity Collective.
More about Becky:
Becky Pierson Davidson is the founder of Affinity Collective — a digital product agency that builds & scales memberships.
She brings a background in product strategy, user experience, and community design, with a career that spans building software for Fortune 500 brands like Berkshire Hathaway, RE/MAX, and STARZ, and scaling one of the fastest-growing memberships for women entrepreneurs as Head of Product at bossbabe.
Across her work – whether teaching UX and design thinking at General Assembly, volunteering with CreativeMornings, or advising online businesses – community and user experience have always been the throughline.
Today, Becky leads her team at Affinity in designing membership-based communities that grow sustainably through better structure, stronger retention, and deeper connection.
Her work reframes community not as a “nice-to-have,” but as a product – designed intentionally to create real transformation for members and long-term growth for the business behind it.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckypierson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildwbecky
Website: https://www.affinitycollective.co

–––––––––––––––––––––
🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org
🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify
🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast
🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube
🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault
✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats
🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community
🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape
–––––––––––––––––––––
Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!
✨ The Receptionist for iPad
Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
Free Gifts for Our Listeners
✨ Free Podcasting Workbook
Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.
You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.
Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook
✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur
Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work.
Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur
Mentioned in this episode:
The Receptionist for iPad
 The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.