Bonus #096: Neurodivergence: The Cost of Fitting In, the Freedom of Being Yourself With Lisa Richer

What has fitting in cost you? Lisa Richer joins Maddox and Dwight Spencer to explore neurodivergence, masking, late-diagnosed ADHD, burnout, and the freedom of understanding how you work. Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://www.fortheloveofcreativespodc... You can look capable, dependable, and successful while carrying more than anyone sees. Lisa shares how years of unknowingly masking and trying to meet other people’s expectations shaped her experiences in gymnastics, corporate life, and parenting. She describes the support that helped her recognize her own needs, ask for help, and become more comfortable being herself. Dwight also reflects on learning to filter a rich inner world in response to social cues. Together, we explore what it can mean to feel understood without having to make yourself smaller. In this conversation: • Late diagnosis and seeing your past differently • Masking, people-pleasing, and the personal cost of fitting in • Creative thinking that does not follow a prescribed order • Asking for support and communicating what you need • Why individual differences call for individual support • Small, low-pressure ways to begin caring for yourself • The role of relationships and community in feeling less alone ABOUT LISA RICHER Lisa is a neurodivergent success partner, advocate, and founder of Journey2Bloom. She created the Clarity Confidence Courage Journey Map and works with students, athletes, professionals, and parents. Connect with Lisa: https://journey2bloom.com/ ABOUT FOR THE LOVE OF CREATIVES We serve heart-centered creatives who want to move from surviving in isolation to thriving in community. Explore the podcast and learn about our community and events: https://www.fortheloveofcreativespodc... JOIN THE CONVERSATION What helps you feel comfortable being yourself in a creative space? Share only what feels comfortable. No diagnosis or personal history is required. If this conversation gives you language for something you have experienced, share it with someone who might appreciate it. Subscribe on YouTube for more conversations about creativity, identity, and connection. If you listen through a podcast app, follow the show there and leave an honest rating or review where available. CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Lisa Richer 01:53 Lived experience across athletics, work, and parenting 03:12 Late diagnosis and looking back differently 09:09 Learning to ask for support 14:00 Masking and expectations in corporate life 17:52 Leaving corporate and building an advocacy practice 26:08 Neurodivergence and creative expression 30:16 Understanding your needs and speaking up 32:24 How do you recognize that you are masking? 35:34 Lisa on therapy, burnout, and becoming herself 39:56 Parenting and making room for authenticity 42:32 Small, low-risk starting points 45:41 Closing reflections on healing and community Bonus #096: Neurodivergence: The Cost of Fitting In, the Freedom of Being Yourself With Lisa Richer This conversation shares personal experiences and perspectives. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. #Neurodivergence #Masking #CreativeCommunity