The Different-Functional Podcast

Here we are, yet again, at the start of another year. If you’re anything like us, 2024 must have put you through the wringer too. We’re ready to put last year behind us, but we’re also giving 2025 that wary, suspicious side-eye until it proves it can play nicer and be more reasonable than its predecessor. So instead of revisiting the usual new year celebratory rituals and plans, we’re sitting down for a humorously serious conversation about how challenging it is sometimes to just…adult. Join us as we discuss how the heck anyone is supposed to take care of their body, clean their house, find a good mechanic, and file paperwork even at the best of times. Even without life’s curveballs, adulting is already kinda confusing and often really f***ing annoying, and the truth is none of us really know what we’re doing. Even when we think we know we usually end up finding out that we were wrong somehow. In reality, most of us are really just out here…winging it.If you’re enjoying the podcast we’d love it if you could help us spread the word by telling your friends, subscribing to the podcast, and leaving a rating or review. If you have any feedback or topics you’d like for us to cover we’d love to hear from you at [email protected] Don’t forget to follow us on social media, on TikTok and Instagram as different_functional and on Facebook as different functional. If you’d like to support us on Patreon we are at www.patreon.com/differentfunctional As always, thank you for listening and remember: Different does not mean defective.

'Tis the season for gift-giving, but for many neurodivergent individuals, the holidays can bring more stress than joy. From choosing the right gift to managing limited resources like time, money, and energy, selecting the perfect present can feel like navigating a minefield. The pressure to find something meaningful and the fear of getting it wrong can make holiday shopping overwhelming.In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked challenges of gift-giving and share practical gift-giving tips that reduce stress and help you stay authentic to your spirit of giving. Whether you're buying for a loved one, a coworker, or someone you barely know, this episode is packed with gift ideas and strategies for managing the complexities of gift-giving with neurodivergence in mind.And don’t forget to check out our FREE bonus content available on Patreon, where we discuss specific types of gifts and who they work best for!If you’re enjoying the podcast we’d love it if you could help us spread the word by telling your friends, subscribing to the podcast, and leaving a rating or review. If you have any feedback or topics you’d like for us to cover we’d love to hear from you at Don’t forget to follow us on social media, on TikTok and Instagram as different_functional and on Facebook as different functional. If you’d like to support us on Patreon we are at www.patreon.com/differentfunctional As always, thank you for listening and remember: Different does not mean defective.

Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us again here in the USA, and there’s just so much to be thankful for this time of year! Or is there? That’s the question. Well, maybe not exactly. Are there things to be thankful for? Sure. If you look hard enough you can always find something, but you know what’s often even easier to find? Things you’re not thankful for. When life gets really challenging, we’re not generally overflowing with appreciation for how awful things feel. That’s why gratitude journaling is so often recommended in pop psychology. That’s pretty vague though. I mean if you’re struggling to be in a positive mind set, just sitting down with a blank sheet of paper and the expectation to be grateful you probably won’t get very far. But what about journal prompts, questions intended to make you look closer or broaden your perspective? Join us as we explore and discuss some journal prompts intended to inspire gratitude. Do they work? Let’s find out.Also we’re starting a new series! Consider this episode a pilot. We didn’t announce it in the episode because we’re silly gooses who didn’t decide on it until after this episode was finished and we were preparing it for release. The series will be called Futile or Functional, and we’ll be reviewing pop psychology concepts, giving our thoughts as to their effectiveness as neurodivergents who have been deeply entrenched in the world of psychology for most of our lives.If you took a fancy to the same gratitude prompts that we did you can find them here: https://christieinge.com/gratitude-journal-prompts/ We are not in any way affiliated with this creator, we just liked her list of questions.If you’re enjoying the podcast we’d love it if you could help us spread the word by telling your friends, subscribing to the podcast, and leaving a rating or review. If you have any feedback or topics you’d like for us to cover we’d love to hear from you at [email protected] Don’t forget to follow us on social media, on TikTok and Instagram as different_functional and on Facebook as different functional. If you’d like to support us on Patreon we are at www.patreon.com/differentfunctional As always, thank you for listening and remember: Different does not mean defective.

This time of year is the perfect opportunity for crafting, creativity, and community! Even if you don’t think you’re “that kind of person” you might be surprised by how much fun it can be and what you can learn about yourself and others. With that in mind, we’ve decided to do something we’ve never done before on the podcast: a craft-along! And for those of you who are here for our usual mental health themed programming, you won’t be left out. This is also an opportunity to explore some therapeutic techniques: art as therapy, writing prompts, and stream of consciousness. If you want to craft along with us here is a list of everything you’ll need: glass container, fall leaves, strong, balloon, modge podge, curly ribbon, construction/scrapbook paper, glue stick, markers.Patreon members get some extra special content too. For thefirst time ever we’re sharing a raw, unedited video version of this episode. Watch us get covered in modge podge and see how awkward and long winded we actually are before we edit and clean up the episodes. Even if you aren’t a Patreon member you can purchase this specific post through their website (but just between us, with the minimum price requirements they set to sell an individual post, it might be worth it to join our Patreon for a month if you’re curious andcheck out all out other content too).If you’re enjoying the podcast we’d love it if you could help us spread the word by telling your friends, subscribing to the podcast, and leaving a rating or review. If you have any feedback or topics you’d like for us to cover we’d love to hear from you at [email protected] Don’t forget to follow us on social media, on TikTok and Instagram as different_functional and on Facebook as different functional. If you’d like to support us on Patreon we are at www.patreon.com/differentfunctional As always, thank you for listening and remember: Different does not mean defective.