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- 🇦🇹AT · Mental Health#191500 to 3K
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Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
250 to 1.5K🎙 Weekly cadence·86 episodes·Last published 3w ago - Monthly Reach
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500 to 3K🇦🇹100% - Active Followers
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150 to 900
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On the show
Recent episodes
Positive Maladjustment, Applied
Jun 23, 2026
54m 13s
Voices at the Margins
Mar 31, 2026
1h 46m 20s
Flourishing with AuDHD and PDA
Jan 13, 2026
1h 09m 38s
Reflections at Year Four
Dec 9, 2025
59m 01s
Sexuality and Relationships
Oct 15, 2025
48m 12s
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/23/26 |  Positive Maladjustment, Applied | In episode 84, Chris and Emma returned after a break, and this episode marks a change. We dropped into the conversation without a guest, an intro, or any of the usual formalities—just the two of us talking about positive maladjustment in the way we are living it right now.We talk about lived experience as the ground from which this theory makes sense, and why understanding it means having gone through something, not just having read about it. The conversation moves through Chris’s recent return to a decade of correspondence, the difference between learning a theory and recognizing yourself in it, and what it means to treat empathy and perspective-taking as skills built across a lifetime rather than fixed traits.We are also honest about why the format is changing. We are moving away from guests and toward conversations about our own experiences with the theory—the practices that have served us, the ones that have not, and the ways our understanding has continued to develop. This is a period of reconfiguring and realigning with who we really are. It is going to be messy for a while. We ask listeners to bear with us as we do this work out loud.Links from this episodeEmma’s DC2022 session (YouTube)Origins paper Chris mentioned (PDF)What Autopsychotherapy Is Ep. 83: Voices at the MarginsAdults with Overexcitabilities (Facebook group)PDA: Resistance and Resilience with Chris Wells and Marni KammersellConnect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 54m 13s | ||||||
| 3/31/26 |  Voices at the Margins | Episode 83 includes something we’ve never done before on Positive Disintegration. It’s a conversation among seven neurodivergent podcasters—recorded as part of a peer-reviewed paper that has just been published in Neurodiversity journal. The paper, “Voices at the Margins: Podcasting as Neuroqueer Collaborative Autoethnography and Epistemic Healing,” positions podcasting as a research methodology within critical neurodiversity studies, and this conversation is the data.The seven of us—Caitlin Hughes, Chris Wells, Emma Nicholson, Bee Mayhew, Sheldon Gay, Marni Kammersell, and Teena Mogler—sat down together to explore what podcasting makes possible that other forms of research and advocacy cannot. What emerged was a conversation about voice, belonging, lived experience as expertise, and the kind of knowledge that forms between people when they’re allowed to think out loud together.Rather than following a rigid script, we were guided by five open-ended questions that Caitlin designed to hold space for relational dialogue and reflexive sense-making. We talked about the inaccessibility of traditional knowledge spaces, what it means to reclaim lived experience as valid and generative knowledge, and the truths that live in contradiction, tangents, and half-finished thoughts. We also explored how this kind of podcasting ripples outward into neurodivergent community and belonging.The paper identifies nine resonances that emerged from the recording, including voice as epistemic repair, messiness as method, lived experience as expertise, multiplicity and difference as community, and humor and play as co-regulation. If you’ve ever felt like this podcast gave you permission to be unfinished, or helped you see yourself outside of yourself—that’s the ripple we’re talking about.Read the full paper (open access): https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330261437265Published in: Neurodiversity, Volume 4, Special Issue: Towards a Critical Turn in Neurodiversity Studies: Bridging the Arts, Humanities and the Social Sciences*A PDF of the transcript is available here The podcasters in this episode:* Caitlin Hughes (she/they) is a queer, nonbinary, multi-exceptional Australian social worker, researcher, educator, and advocate. Late-identified as Autistic, ADHD, Gifted, and PDA, Caitlin co-hosts the Divergent Dialogues podcast and brings a lived experience-led perspective to their work. They are committed to fostering epistemic healing through relational ethics, narrative reclamation, and accessible, lived experience–driven knowledge creation. * Chris Wells (they/them) is a multi-exceptional, nonbinary, and neurodivergent writer, podcaster, and developmental theorist specializing in Dąbrowski’s theory of positive disintegration. They co-host the Positive Disintegration, cosmic cheer squad, and PDA: Resistance and Resilience podcasts, and are the founding president of the Dąbrowski Center and co-creator of the Positive Disintegration Network. Chris brings lived experience and a deep commitment to reframing neurodivergence through a developmental and relational lens.* Emma Nicholson (she/her) is a neurodivergent Australian Senior Business Analyst, creative and advocate, identifying as gifted, Dyscalculic, with all five overexcitabilities (psychomotor, sensual, intellectual, imaginational, and emotional), as well as bisexual and Heathen. She co-hosts the Positive Disintegration Podcast and serves as Vice President of the Dąbrowski Center. She is driven by an unkillable passion to demystify positive disintegration and share hard-won truths to help others feel seen and supported.* Bee Mayhew (she/her) is a multiply neurodivergent (late-identified AuDHD, former gifted kid) writer, narrative collaborator, and communication coordinator for PDN Media. She co-hosts cosmic cheer squad podcast and has a background as a hospitality specialist and business owner. Bee’s work centers on collective narrative-building and neurodivergent storytelling through activist, community-rooted practice.* Sheldon Gay (he/him) is a Black Gifted speaker and podcast host of I Must Be BUG'N (Black Underrepresented/Unidentified Gifted and otherwise Neurodivergent). Sheldon is guided by the belief that learning to deeply and wholly Love oneSelf, cape and kryptonite, is the path to finding, creating, and maintaining Love everywhere we go.* Marni Kammersell (she/her) is an American late-identified neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, PDA, gifted) parent of neurodivergent children. She is an educator, researcher, writer, and consultant, and co-hosts the PDA: Resistance and Resilience podcast. Marni is dedicated to honoring neurodivergent experience through relational, self-directed, and nervous-system-informed knowledge practices.* Teena Mogler (she/her) is an Australian AuDHD social worker, researcher, educator, and advocate, as well as co-host of the Divergent Dialogues podcast. As a mother to neurodivergent children, Teena is passionate about amplifying neurodivergent voices and disrupting epistemic injustice through lived experience-led, neuroaffirming, and critically reflexive knowledge practices.Find the podcasters:* Divergent Dialogues: divergentdialogues.substack.com* I Must Be BUG’N: sheldongayisbugn.com* Positive Disintegration: www.positivedisintegration.org* cosmic cheer squad: cosmiccheersquad.substack.com* PDA: Resistance and Resilience: pdapodcast.substack.comConnect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 1h 46m 20s | ||||||
| 1/13/26 |  Flourishing with AuDHD and PDA | In episode 82, Chris and Emma talk with Mattia Maurée about the intersection of ADHD, autism, and PDA—the Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. Mattia is an AuDHD coach and host of the ADHD Flourishing podcast. We discuss what it actually means to flourish rather than just cope or survive, why the pathology paradigm failed so many of us, and how positive disintegration offers a different lens for understanding intense neurodivergent experiences.Mattia shares their journey from misdiagnosis to self-understanding, the physical reality of nervous system shutdown, and why “do less” might be the most radical advice for neurodivergent people. We also get into the work question—why so many of us can’t stay in traditional jobs, the integrity trigger, and what it means to build a life around your actual needs rather than neurotypical expectations.Links from this episodeAuDHD Flourishing PodcastAuDHD Flourishing Episode 88 with Chris WellsDo Less Also mentioned:* PDA: Resistance and Resilience Episode 7, Creative Resistance, with Marni Kammersell, Chris Wells, and guest Mattia Maurée* Caitlin Hughes from the Divergent Dialogues PodcastConnect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 1h 09m 38s | ||||||
| 12/9/25 |  Reflections at Year Four | In episode 81, Chris and Emma mark four years of the podcast with a candid look at what’s changed—in themselves, their work, and their relationship to the theory.Both faced challenges this year, and both noticed something striking: they handled it differently than they would have before. The theory has become a real-time companion rather than a post-mortem tool—dynamisms catching in the moment instead of being identified after the fact.They discuss:* The shift from analyzing crises afterward to navigating them as they unfold* How relational resilience and genuine listening matter (with gratitude to bee mayhew )* What they’d do differently—never saying levels, prioritizing lived experience over expertise, better audio equipment* Plans for 2026: more episodes featuring just the two of them, deeper dives into lived experience* An announcement: they’re stepping away from the Dabrowski Congress to take a new directionThe episode ends where the theory always points: shedding what’s less like us and moving toward greater autonomy.Resources from this episode* Dabrowski 101 (YouTube)* Ep. 56: Autoethnography for Personal Growth* Ep. 72, Healing through Writing with Dr. Lil Jedynak (The Gifted Experience) * cosmic cheer squad podcast* PDA: Resistance and Resilience podcastConnect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 59m 01s | ||||||
| 10/15/25 |  Sexuality and Relationships | In episode 80, Chris and Emma talked with Heather Anne Keyes, a neuroqueer Gestalt psychotherapist and educator based in Durango, Mexico. Together, we explore the intersections between sexuality, neurodivergence, and development through the lens of Dąbrowski’s theory of positive disintegration.This conversation invites listeners to think about how we relate to ourselves and others when we step outside of convention. Heather’s insights bridge psychotherapy and lived experience, showing how awareness, compassion, and honesty can transform the way we love, communicate, and grow.Topics include:* Rethinking monogamy, non-monogamy, and ethical relationships* The overlap between giftedness, neurodivergence, and relational complexity* Gestalt therapy as a practice of awareness, authenticity, and co-creation* I-Thou relationships and the ethics of seeing others as full humans* The role of language in communication and self-understanding* How Buddhist psychology and radical acceptance inform Heather’s workHeather also shares moving reflections on loss, love, and the lifelong process of learning to “accept pain without turning it into unnecessary suffering.”Resources from this episodeHeather’s websiteHumans of Gestalt (website)Humans of Gestalt (YouTube)Connect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 48m 12s | ||||||
| 8/20/25 |  Crisis, Connection, and Fractals of Transformation | In episode 79, Chris and Emma explore the revolutionary idea that positive disintegration extends far beyond individual psychology with guest Richard Edelman, founder of Living Arts Wisdom and a cultural evolution strategist who synthesizes neuroscience, evolutionary philosophy, and trauma-informed practices. Drawing from interpersonal neurobiology, evolutionary theory, and climate psychology, Richard demonstrates how Dabrowski's developmental framework operates as a fractal pattern—appearing at the individual level, within relationships, across cultural systems, and throughout our species' evolution. This conversation reveals how our current global crises, from climate change to political upheaval, can be understood as manifestations of species-wide disintegration, and how individuals can become conscious participants in determining whether this leads to collapse or transformation.Key Topics Explored:* Interpersonal Neurobiology & Integration: Richard explains Dan Siegel's framework connecting mind, brain, and relationships, and how understanding integration helps us better comprehend what disintegrates in positive disintegration.* The Deep Neuroculture: A fascinating concept describing our collective nervous system as a species: the "mycelial network" beneath the surface of individual consciousness that shapes our biological and cultural niche.* Species-Wide Disintegration: How humanity is currently experiencing a collective positive disintegration driven by climate crisis, requiring us to transform our relationship with our environment.* Toxic Enculturation & Cycle Breaking: The process of liberating ourselves from harmful cultural patterns passed down through generations, with special attention to parents who refuse to perpetuate trauma.* Third Factor as Evolutionary Avatar: Reframing third factor individuals as harbingers of consciousness and relational evolution, essential for species survival.* Courage and Authenticity: The vital role of bravery in expressing our authentic selves and challenging the status quo, even in seemingly small interpersonal moments.Connect with Richard Edelman:* Richard’s website: livingartswisdom.com* Email: richard@livingartswisdom.comResources Mentioned:* Dan Siegel's work on interpersonal neurobiology* Iain McGilchrist's book "The Master and His Emissary"* Internal Family Systems (IFS)* Climate Psychology Alliance* Enactivism and Francisco Varela* Britt Wray’s Unthinkable (the book: Generation Dread)* The Third Factor (Dabrowski Center website)This episode offers a powerful reframe of the theory of positive disintegration, showing how individual transformation is intimately connected to the larger evolutionary challenges facing humanity. Richard's synthesis of multiple frameworks provides both theoretical depth and practical pathways for those seeking to navigate—and actively participate in shaping—our current polycrisis toward positive transformation.Connect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 54m 41s | ||||||
| 7/17/25 |  Polyvagal Pathways to Connection: Part 2 | In episode 78, we continued our rich and engaging conversation with Autum Romano, an educator, bodyworker, and author from Colorado Springs, CO. This is the second in a two-part conversation exploring polyvagal theory and its relevance to personality development, healing, and human connection.We deepen our exploration of polyvagal theory and its connections with developmental experience, neurodivergence, and positive disintegration.Together, we unpack:* How neuroception and energetic sensitivity shape relational dynamics* The intersection of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), trauma, and cues of safety* How overexcitabilities can become dynamisms that help us grow in relationship* The role of relationships in co-regulation, especially for intense and neurodivergent individuals* Why true connection is essential to healing and development—and how hard it is to cultivate in unsafe environmentsChris reflects on their own experience as a gifted PDAer, highlighting how sensitivity to energy and autonomy needs has shaped their emotional regulation and social interactions. Autum and Emma both offer powerful insights about learning to tune into not just how others affect us, but how we impact them, too.This episode is rich with hard-earned wisdom about nervous system safety, embodied growth, and the power of safe, attuned relationships. If you’ve ever felt “too much,” struggled with co-regulation, or wondered how to find the green zone in your life—this one’s for you.Links from this episodeAutum’s websiteBody Wisdom and the Polyvagal Theory (Autum’s book)PDA: Resistance and Resilience podcast with Marni Kammersell and Chris WellsEpisode 56: Autoethnography for Personal GrowthLiving with IntensityPDA North AmericaIntense World TheoryDr. Stephen Porges, Safe and Sound ProtocolConnect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 57m 28s | ||||||
| 7/8/25 |  Polyvagal Pathways to Connection: Part 1 | In episode 77, Chris and Emma were joined by Autum Romano, an educator, bodyworker, and author from Colorado Springs, CO. This is the first in a two-part conversation exploring polyvagal theory and its relevance to personality development, healing, and human connection.Autum brings 28+ years of experience in the healing arts and a rich understanding of the nervous system. Together, we dive into the basics of polyvagal theory—including the three autonomic states (ventral, sympathetic, and dorsal), neuroception, and co-regulation—and connect it with Dąbrowski’s theory of positive disintegration.Topics include:* How our nervous system shapes our experience and reactions* Using body-based tools for nervous system regulation* Understanding fight, flight, and freeze responses in relationships* Recognizing your dominant pattern and learning to move between states* How safety, connection, and emotional healing are intertwined* The overlap between polyvagal theory and Dabrowskian development* Personal stories about trauma responses, self-awareness, and growthAutum’s insights offer a compassionate, grounded lens on how to support development—not by avoiding dysregulation, but by learning to move through it with awareness. Whether you’re new to polyvagal theory or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers something valuable.Stay tuned for Part 2, where the conversation continues.Links from this episodeAutum’s websiteBody Wisdom and the Polyvagal TheoryConnect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 46m 55s | ||||||
| 6/18/25 |  Cosmic Connections | In this special crossover episode, we’re sharing Episode 3 of cosmic cheer squad—our new podcast from the Positive Disintegration Network. Chris and Bee are joined by a very special guest: Emma Nicholson, co-host of Positive Disintegration, for an in-person, around-the-table conversation recorded in Madison, Wisconsin.Together, they reflect on:* How they became friends and collaborators through the theory of positive disintegration* The idea of cosmic pockets as a way to hold intense feelings until it’s safe to process them* Inner critics, intrusive thoughts, and how to rewrite old narratives* Parenting yourself while raising others* Emotional trampolines, anti-cults, and resisting illegitimate authority* Why the Gravitron might be the perfect metaphor for developmentPlus: Bee’s legendary toffee, Aussie accent jokes, trench coat metaphors, and the beginnings of a truly cozy counterculture.💫 It’s part reunion, part origin story, and all heart. Come sit with us.Links from this episodeFind Emma online:* Tragic Gift (blog)* Adults with Overexcitabilities (YouTube)* Adults with Overexcitabilities (Facebook group)* Positive Disintegration (Instagram)We referenced:* Cosmic Pocket* Sneaky StimmingPositive Disintegration:* Episode 33: A Personal Journey of Self-Discovery, with David Sweeney* Episode 37: Self-Directed Education with Marni Kammersell This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 46m 06s | ||||||
| 5/27/25 |  Authenticity, Community, and Creative Unmasking | In Episode 75, Chris and Emma were joined by Gordon Smith, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Coach, and Creative from Gifted and Growing in Asheville, NC. Together, they explore how community, creativity, and authenticity support the journey of positive disintegration.Gordon shares how his rediscovery of giftedness helped him make sense of his life and deepen his work with clients. The conversation dives into the challenges of unmasking in front of others—especially family—and how the safety of group spaces can empower people to become more fully themselves. Gordon introduces his unique group offerings and the powerful “Magnum Opus” exercise that facilitates self-discovery through poetry and flow state.This episode touches on key Dabrowskian themes, including the transformation of internalized shame, the shedding of masks, the role of community in personal growth, and how creative practices support authenticity. We reflect on how our disintegrations have unfolded and offer heartfelt encouragement for listeners on their journeys.Topics Include:* Gordon’s journey back to giftedness and the theory of positive disintegration* The importance of self-knowing and depathologizing difference* Creating safe spaces for unmasking and self-expression* Using creativity and community to support growth* Reflections on grief, parenting, and nervous system healing* How discovering language for our experiences can be transformativeResources from this episode* Visit Gordon’s website: Giftedandgrowing.org* Gordon Smith, LPC (Facebook)* More about Yunasa Connect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 1h 04m 05s | ||||||
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| 4/29/25 |  Live from Wisconsin, Part 2 | Episode 74 includes Part 2 of our very first in-person podcast special. After years of collaborating across continents, Chris and Emma finally sat down together face-to-face in Madison, Wisconsin. In this spontaneous, laughter-filled continuation, we’re joined by Bee Mayhew and Pam Ryan for a warm and off-the-cuff conversation about friendship, imagination, healing, and what it really means to be ourselves.In this episode:* The power of community and co-regulation for people who’ve long felt “too much”* What happens when deep thinkers stop masking and start mirroring each other* A kitchen full of neurodivergent magic and mirroring* Finding safety, resonance, and spiritual alignment in community* From shared values to shaping new realities—how our friendships have become frameworksWe reflect on how much we’ve grown, how much we’ve healed, and how profoundly we’ve changed by allowing ourselves to show up as our true selves, together.Big news: Chris and Bee have launched a brand new podcast together—✨ cosmic cheer squad ✨ Visit cosmic cheer squad on SubstackFollow @cosmiccheersquad on InstagramIt’s a show blending resistance, storytelling, transformation, and soul-friend energy.Links from this episodeBee’s Substack:* Pragmagination Pam’s groups on Facebook:* Rogue Valley Brainery & Ludoteca* Voodoodleydooers Connect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 43m 14s | ||||||
| 4/15/25 |  Live from Wisconsin, Part 1 | Welcome to a very special episode of Positive Disintegration! For the first time ever, Chris and Emma sat down together in person to record—not virtually, not over Zoom or SquadCast, but face to face in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. In this warm and unscripted special, we reflect on our friendship, the podcast’s evolution, and the joy (and awkwardness!) of finally being in the same room after three years of collaboration.In this episode:* Behind-the-scenes stories from Emma’s trip to the U.S.* Meeting Michael Piechowski and getting hosted with tea and cookies* Visiting the Henry Vilas Zoo, hanging out with James, Jason, and Jack—and, of course, the infamous hound dog, Champ* Reflections on growth, healing, and laying new paths* Creating the Positive Disintegration Network and dreaming forward into 2025* How their work and friendship have evolved over years of podcasting together* Early glimpses of new projects: cosmic cheer squad and PDA: Resistance and Resilience✨ This is part one of a two-part special to our listeners—an intimate conversation full of laughter, reflection, and visioning for what’s next.Links from this episodeTragic GiftAdults with OverexcitabilitiesUpcoming podcasts Chris mentioned:The cosmic cheer squad podcast is coming soon with Bee Mayhew from pragmaginationPDA: Resistance & Resilience is coming later this spring with Marni Kammersell from Wandering BrightlyConnect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 47m 27s | ||||||
| 2/24/25 |  Healing Through Writing | In episode 72, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Lil Jedynak—a memoir writing coach, multi-potential creative, and gifted adult—who helps people tell their life stories through the lens of autoethnography.Lil shares her journey of self-discovery, from uncovering her giftedness at 60 to finding new frameworks for understanding her life, such as Dąbrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration. We explore how writing became a tool for her healing, integration, and personal growth and how she now guides others on their own storytelling paths.We dive into:* How early experiences of invisibility, perfectionism, and cultural expectations shaped Lil’s understanding of her giftedness.* The role of autoethnography in making sense of one’s life story and deepening self-awareness.* The interplay between tall poppy syndrome, perfectionism, and the fear of failure.* The power of embracing past struggles as part of personal development.* How creativity, intuition, and personal reflection help gifted individuals integrate their complex identities.* Alternative ways to process and express self-discovery beyond writing.This conversation is full of insight into the lived experience of positive disintegration and how we can turn our personal narratives into sources of strength. Whether you love to write or prefer other forms of self-expression, there are many ways to make meaning of your story. Join us for an inspiring discussion that celebrates authenticity, creativity, and the art of storytelling.Resources from this episode* Website: drlilconsults.com* Substack: Lil’s Substack* Lil’s session from DC2024 on YouTube: Fame and FragilityJoin us at the 2025 International Symposium on Autoethnography and NarrativePeople mentioned:Lotte van Lith — A Lot of Complexity & Episode 9 Jennifer Harvey Sallin — InterGifted & Episode 23Sheldon Gay — I Must Be BUG'N Pod & Episode 63Books mentioned:* Living with Intensity – Susan Daniels & Michael M. Piechowski* Personality Shaping Through Positive Disintegration – Kazimierz Dabrowski* Bright Adults: Uniqueness & Belonging Across the Lifespan – Ellen Fiedler* Writing as a Way of Healing – Louise DeSalvoConnect with us* Positive Disintegration on Substack* Visit the Dabrowski Center website* Facebook* Instagram* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.* Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 1h 15m 56s | ||||||
| 1/15/25 |  Suicide, Stigma, and Support, Part 2 | *Content Warning: This episode contains a discussion about suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners. Click here for resources.In episode 71, Chris and Emma continue the conversation with Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, a suicidologist, therapist, author, and professor at the University of Denver. In this second installment, we delve deeper into the complexities of suicidality, exploring chronic suicidal thoughts and the stigma surrounding suicide. We talk more about what to say and what not to say to someone who is suicidal and how to support those in emotional pain. Stacey shares valuable insights and practical resources for those navigating these challenging experiences. Chris and Emma reflect on their personal journeys and the power of connection in moments of despair. This candid discussion provides essential perspectives for anyone seeking to better understand suicide, reduce stigma, and foster compassion.Resources from this EpisodeSpeaking of SuicideStaceyFreedenthal.comHelping the Suicidal Person: Tips and Techniques for Professionals (book for professionals)Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts: What Family, Friends, and Partners Can Say and Do (book for laypeople)Frank King, A Matter of Laugh or Death (YouTube)r/SuicideWatch (Reddit)ChronicSuicideSupport.comAlternatives to SuicideWarmLineWildflower AllianceLive Through ThisChris’s story on Live Through This (Interview date: February 26, 2015, Denver, CO)Connect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 38m 25s | ||||||
| 1/6/25 |  Suicide, Stigma, and Support, Part 1 | *Content Warning: This episode contains a discussion about suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners. Click here for resources. In episode 70, Chris and Emma talk with Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, a suicidologist, therapist, author, and professor at the University of Denver. We discuss the deeply important but often stigmatized topic of suicide. This is part one of a two-part series that explores the intersection of suicide and Dabrowski’s theory of positive disintegration, offering listeners tools for empathy and connection in the face of despair.Stacey shares her personal journey with suicidality, the experiences that led her to dedicate her career to this work, and the insights she’s gained through her research, teaching, and practice.Together, we explore the stigma surrounding suicidal thoughts, the ways people can hide their pain, and how well-intentioned responses often fall short. Stacey emphasizes the need for what she calls “brave listening”—creating a safe space for honest conversations without judgment or quick fixes. Chris and Emma also reflect on their own experiences and share perspectives on navigating these tough but crucial discussions.Resources from this episodeSpeaking of Suicide StaceyFreedenthal.com Helping the Suicidal Person: Tips and Techniques for Professionals (book for professionals)Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts: What Family, Friends, and Partners Can Say and Do (book for laypeople)A Suicide Therapist’s Secret Past (NY Times article mentioned, behind paywall. Click for PDF)Stacey mentioned the following image from her book’s cover.We mentioned Episode 8: Surviving DisintegrationThomas Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Wikipedia)Connect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 41m 47s | ||||||
| 12/10/24 |  Myth, Neurodivergence, and Transformation | In episode 69, Chris and Emma talked with Lian Brook-Tyler, shamanic healer, teacher of unity, podcaster, and co-founder of the Be Mythical podcast. In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, we dive into the intersections of mysticism, neurodivergence, spirituality, transformation, and awakenings—connecting these profound experiences to Dabrowski’s theory of positive disintegration. We explore:* How neurodivergence can shape mystical and spiritual experiences.* The connection between shamanic practices, inner work, and positive disintegration.* The importance of doing the work of inner transformation and embracing the unknown.* The parallels between psychological and spiritual frameworks in understanding human development.Lian’s mythical journey truly began when she was ruptured open to Spirit with the sudden death of her father—which led to her mysteriously recovering from 15 years of chronic pain, panic attacks and anxiety. That inexplicable transformation inspired her to leave a leadership role in the corporate world to immerse herself in discovering what creates pain and struggle, and conversely, how to create a life overflowing with love, magic, beauty and truthLian also shares how her work at Be Mythical, together with co-founder Jonathan Wilkinson, supports old souls and visionaries on initiatory journeys of self-discovery, using myth and ancient wisdom to find purpose and truth. Their work, Be Mythical, is an alchemy of ancient ways for modern days. It weaves together eclectic wisdom teachings and natural traditions such as rewilding, magic and animist spirituality, embodiment, and self-illumination into a soul-led, heart-centred, sovereign path of reclaiming your wildness, actualising your deepest gifts, to live fully and die complete.Here is the Tree of Life image Lian discussed during the episode.Links from this episodeBe Mythical websiteBe Mythical podcastBe Mythical episodes we mentioned:* “Over-excitability”: A more truthful and constructive perspective on neurodivergence? (episode with Chris)* How to know if you're really "Doing The Work"? Sara J. Sanderson interviews Lian Brook-Tyler Positive Disintegration Episode 29: The Disintegrating DuckCourses: https://www.bemythical.com/godeeperFree fb group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1694264587546957Fb page: https://www.facebook.com/bemythicalYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeMythicalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.mythical/Moonly Newsletter: https://www.bemythical.com/moonlyConnect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you!Tuesday, December 10, 2024, is Colorado Gives Day. Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and help support the Dabrowski Congress, other events, and our archive. This year, a generous anonymous donor has pledged to match gifts up to $2,500 USD. Thank you for supporting our work! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 1h 04m 53s | ||||||
| 11/20/24 |  Overexcitabilities and Dąbrowski's Theory | In episode 68, Chris and Emma debriefed about Chris’s session from NAGC 2023 titled “Overexcitabilities and Dąbrowski’s Theory: Correcting the Course in Gifted Education.” We covered the five common myths or misunderstandings about the theory of positive disintegration that were addressed in the presentation. We’ve been sitting on this episode because we didn’t have time to get it out right after last year's conference. Michael’s episode was the priority following NAGC 2023 since his 90th birthday was approaching. We were also concerned that we had shared so many posts about NAGC in the lead-up to the conference that people might be burned out on the topic—but now, we are ready to share!Highlights00:02:13 Debriefing about the conference00:03:50 Previous sessions from Chris at NAGC00:07:22 Positive impact of the 2022 OE panel session00:10:02 Myth 1: There is little or no empirical evidence for TPD00:14:54 Myth 2: TPD is a theory of giftedness00:24:27 Myth 3: Overexcitability can only be understood within the context of positive disintegration00:28:43 We do still need the theory as a non-pathologizing framework00:35:27 Myth 4: Overexcitability and openness to experience are the same thing, and the five-factor model can replace TPD00:39:45 Myth 5: Overexcitability can be differentiated from ADHD and autism00:44:50 There's no clear line of demarcation for types of neurodivergence and OE. 00:48:08 Best practices for working with overexcitability00:52:58 Main takeaways from the session00:56:49 We care a lotWe hope you’ll enjoy this episode! We’re releasing it ahead of NAGC 2024 in Seattle. Chris submitted no proposals this year and looks forward to attending NAGC without presenting for once. They feel it’s worth repeating this material from last year instead. Links from this episodeClick here for the download Chris shared at NAGC with slides and relevant papers.View the post NAGC 2023: Overexcitabilities and Dąbrowski’s Theory from November 2023.The song “We Care a Lot” by Faith No More (1985), for those who are unfamiliar. It was mentioned during this exchange at the end of the episode.Connect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 58m 12s | ||||||
| 11/12/24 |  Depathologizing Intense Experiences | In episode 67, Chris and Emma were joined by Caitlin Hughes from the Divergent Dialogues podcast. Caitlin is an accredited mental health social worker and founder of Cathartic Collaborations, a neurodivergent-affirming private practice based in Brisbane, Australia.We dive deep into the complexities of multi-exceptional neurodivergent identities, the journey of self-discovery, and the importance of embracing our differences. We discussed the theory of positive disintegration as a liberating framework that offers an alternative to the pathology paradigm. Here are some highlights from our conversation:* The Power of Self-Understanding: Caitlin shares their personal journey of late diagnosis as an AuDHD PDAer, highlighting the profound impact this had on their self-perception. We talked about the importance of understanding ourselves and how this knowledge can lead to a transformative process of healing and self-acceptance. Our identities are multifaceted, and embracing our unique neurotypes can empower us to live authentically.* Depathologizing Difference: One of the core themes of our conversation is the need to depathologize neurodivergent experiences. Caitlin discusses how societal narratives often frame neurodivergent traits as deficits rather than strengths. By embracing neurodivergent identities and advocating for a more inclusive understanding, we can create spaces where individuals feel seen and validated. * The Role of Sensual Giftedness: Caitlin introduces the concept of sensual giftedness and how it plays a significant role in their practice. They explain how processing emotions and experiences through sensory modalities can lead to deeper healing. This perspective is particularly enlightening for those of us who may have felt misunderstood or marginalized due to our sensory sensitivities. Caitlin's insights remind us that our unique ways of experiencing the world can be powerful tools for growth and self-discovery.(Please note that at 23:44, Caitlin said granite when they meant to say “graphite” when referring to diamonds and granite).Caitlin uses their intersectional lived experience to therapeutically support neurocomplex & neuroqueer folks. They utilize somatic therapeutic modalities to support clients to heal systemic trauma and embrace their unique neurotype, strengths, and differences, empowering them to build a self-defined life of meaning and purpose. Caitlin has a Facebook group called "Neurodivergent Affirming Social Workers Collective" where they want to inspire and support other Social Workers to grow in their neurodivergent affirming practice. Caitlin is co-host of "Divergent Dialogues" a neurodivergent affirming podcast and blog on Substack which explores a blend of current research, lived and professional experience. Caitlin is currently completing a PhD with a strong interest in qualitative research in the area of autistic mental health.Links from this EpisodeCathartic CollaborationsDivergent Dialogues on SubstackEpisode 25: Multi-exceptionality, Overexcitabilities and Positive Disintegration with Chris and EmmaSocial media: @cathartic.collaborations (on Facebook and Instagram)Neurodivergent Affirming Social Workers Collective on Facebook2024 Dabrowski Congress videos (available for $15 USD)Head Office, Making Sense of My Mind (Emma’s video)Mellow Out by Michael M. Piechowski is the book Chris recommended about overexcitabilities and personal growthBring Me the Horizon — Mantra (song on YouTube)InterGifted Hearing Voices NetworkExcerpt from Fragments from the Diary of a Madman by CieninMr. Sparkle (fun behind-the-scenes fact: this was in reference to a Mr Sparkle t-shirt Emma was wearing during recording!)Connect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 1h 06m 01s | ||||||
| 10/28/24 |  Three Years of Positive Disintegration | In episode 66, Chris and Emma celebrated the podcast’s third birthday! We reflect on our highlights, challenges, and lessons over the last year.One of the most rewarding aspects of our podcast journey has been the incredible community we've built around the theory of positive disintegration. The relationships we’ve formed—both with each other and with our listeners—have been instrumental in our development. We’ve witnessed the transformation of individuals within our community, and it’s a reminder of how vital connection is in our personal and professional lives.We touch on letting go of perfectionism. We both know that growth is an ongoing process, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out. We share our experiences navigating challenges and how they’ve pushed us to rethink our values and boundaries. This journey of self-discovery is not linear, and embracing the messiness of life as we continue to evolve is essential.Our conversation also delves into the complexities of values and how they can clash, especially in today’s polarized world. We explore how different perspectives can lead to misunderstandings and the importance of recognizing that our values may manifest differently in our actions. This insight fosters empathy and understanding in personal relationships and broader societal contexts.Links from this episodeOur previous birthday episodes from year 1 (Ep. 20, Values) and year 2 (Ep. 46). Episode 34, Mental health Awareness was mentionedEmma’s post Visualisation, Sel-Therapy, and the Shadow Beast Chris’s post Making Friends and Building CommunitySome of the highlights mentioned from our last year* Episode 47, Harry Potter and the Path of Disintegration with Katy McDaniel and Emily Strand* Episode 48, Piechowski’s Insights on Positive Disintegration with Michael M. Piechowski* Episode 50, Giftedness and Personality with Deborah Ruf* Episode 52: Voice as a Mirror of Inner States with Laura Stavinoha* Episode 54: Navigating the Tides of Change, from Gift-a-Palooza 2024* Episode 55: Gifted Intersections and Transformation with Kaitlin Smith* Episode 56: Autoethnography for Personal Growth* Episode 57: Nurturing Giftedness and Overexcitabilities in the Classroom with Summer Cowick* Episode 58: Building Better Social Worlds with Theory with Sergej van Middendorp and Abbie VanMeter* Episode 60: Dabrowski 101, An Introduction to the Theory of Positive Disintegration* Episode 61: The Power of Professional Identity with Sarabeth Berk Bickerton* Episode 62: Discovering Your Inner Compass, our DC2024 workshop* Episode 63 Diverse Voices and Gifted Belonging with Sheldon GayVideos from the 2024 Dabrowski Congress are available for $15 here. Connect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 55m 25s | ||||||
| 9/25/24 |  Diverse Voices and Gifted Belonging | In episode 63, Chris and Emma talked with Sheldon Gay, a serial entrepreneur with a background in engineering and a tech-focused MBA. As a late-identified gifted and, therefore, neurodivergent Black man, Sheldon uses his experiences to help others embrace their unique identities and foster community through his podcast, I Must Be BUG’N.In this episode, we dive into the complexities of giftedness, the importance of diverse voices in the gifted community, and the journey of self-discovery. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:The Power of Mirroring: Sheldon emphasizes the critical need for representation and mirroring within the gifted community, especially for marginalized populations. Many gifted individuals often feel isolated, believing they are the only ones experiencing their unique challenges. By elevating diverse voices, we can create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and understood. This mirroring is essential for fostering authentic connections and validating our experiences.Self-Reflection as a Tool for Growth: Throughout our conversation, we explore the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection in navigating the complexities of giftedness. Sheldon shares his journey of discovering the theory of positive disintegration and how it opened the floodgates to understanding himself better. This process of introspection is not just about identifying where we stand but also about recognizing the areas where we can grow. It’s a reminder that our paths are not linear, and embracing the messiness of self-discovery is part of the journey.Challenging Traditional Definitions of Giftedness: Part of our conversation touches on the traditional definitions of giftedness, which often focus on IQ and academic performance. Sheldon challenges this by suggesting giftedness is a multifaceted experience that encompasses emotional depth, creativity, and unique perspectives. By broadening our understanding of what it means to be gifted, we can create a more inclusive understanding that celebrates diverse talents and abilities.We also discuss levels of development, self-awareness, and multidimensionality. Doing inner work and exploring our depths. Sheldon introduces the concept of "shadow thoughts," which are the unspoken beliefs and internal narratives that shape our self-perception. These thoughts often originate from external influences, such as societal expectations or familial messages, and can hinder authentic self-expression. By confronting and understanding these shadow thoughts, individuals can begin to dismantle the barriers that prevent them from fully embracing their giftedness.This is a rich conversation, and we invite you to join us. We also suggest you follow Sheldon’s podcast, which we’ve linked to below. Links from this episodeSheldon’s podcast I Must Be BUG’NWe mentioned the episode It Must Be Them, Not Me, Part 1 (with Visuals)Sheldon’s websiteOur Wild MindsEpisode 55 with Kaitlin SmithEpisode 48 with Michael PiechowskiThe Origins paper Chris mentioned writing with Frank FalkConnect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 1h 11m 41s | ||||||
| 9/10/24 |  Discovering Your Inner Compass: Our DC2024 Workshop | In episode 62, Chris and Emma delivered the audio from the DC2024 workshop they previewed in episode 58. The Dabrowski Congress was a special experience, and this workshop was no exception. So, we’d like to say a big thank you to the people who shared their thoughts and questions with us during the session because they really helped make it amazing. We hope you’ll enjoy our workshop, too, and participate with us as you listen!Values are at the heart of the theory of positive disintegration. They play a crucial role in personal growth and understanding your identity, serving as an inner compass to guide behavior and decision-making. We emphasize the significance of understanding personal values, their evolution, and their impact on our behavior.Values are the principles or standards that inform our behavior, driven by what we perceive as important in life. They are not static—they shift and evolve as we grow and encounter new experiences and challenges. This dynamic nature is essential for personal development, as it allows us to reassess and redefine what is meaningful to us over time. Just as a compass provides direction, values help us navigate our lives, particularly during times of disintegration or uncertainty. Establishing and understanding your hierarchy of values is critical for the processes of autopsychotherapy and self-education. The journey toward authenticity is facilitated by recognizing and aligning with our core values. The session aims to help participants discover their core drivers, define their values, and embark on a journey toward authenticity, so there are reflection exercises and questions through the workshop.A quote we shared from an interview Dr. Dabrowski gave in 1979, which was published as “The Heroism of Sensitivity” in 1994:“Creating new values is a fundamental part of development. When we grow, we start to have a different view of reality and that leads us to reorder our value system. We create values by our self-observation, by our thinking, and by putting our ideals into practice. Discovering in ourselves higher levels of development, higher tendencies, and sensitivities, we simultaneously create them.” Listeners are encouraged to participate actively by taking notes and reflecting on prompting questions throughout the workshop. There will be places during the episode for you to pause and reflect on the questions being asked. Workshop slides are available for further reference by clicking the button below or from the resource list. Links from this episodeClick here to download the PDF of our slidesWatch the video of our session on YouTubeVisit the 2024 Dabrowski Congress pagePurchase DC2024 recordingsConnect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 58m 24s | ||||||
| 8/6/24 |  The Power of Professional Identity | In episode 61, Chris and Emma were joined by Dr. Sarabeth Berk Bickerton, a professional identity researcher and the leading expert on hybrid professional identity. Sarabeth is based in Boulder, Colorado, and author of More Than My Title: The Power of Hybrid Professionals in a Workplace of Experts and Generalists. Understanding and articulating your professional identity is essential for achieving fulfillment and success in the workplace. Sarabeth emphasized the significance of understanding and articulating your professional identity beyond job titles. She stressed the importance of recognizing ourselves in our work, independent of the tasks we perform. We delved into Sarabeth’s concept of hybrid professional identity, where individuals bring together diverse skills and experiences to create something new. She shared how being a hybrid professional can lead to disruption and innovation in the workplace, challenging traditional norms and boundaries. We learned about the need to explore the intersection of multiple professional identities to truly define and showcase your unique value in the workplace.Sarabeth’s work helps people articulate their unique values and contributions in the workplace. Through exercises and frameworks, she assists individuals in exploring their skills, experiences, and preferences to create a comprehensive understanding of their professional identities. This process enables individuals to enhance self-awareness, communicate strengths effectively, and navigate career transitions or advancements with confidence and clarity.Sarabeth shared that professionals with hybrid identities often face challenges in traditional work environments where they are expected to fit into specific roles. This can result in feeling misunderstood, undervalued, or limited in expressing their full potential. We discussed the importance of career belonging, where individuals seek to align their values, skills, and aspirations with their work environment. We learned the importance of understanding where you fit and belong in your career journey, whether to yourself, others, or a larger purpose.Links from this episodeSarabeth’s website: More Than My Title Her book More Than My Title on AmazonFind Sarabeth on:LinkedInInstagramFacebookWe mentioned Gifted Unleashed Episode 33, featuring Nadja Cereghetti and guest Chris Wells.Connect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you!Support our work by becoming a Founding Member, and join the upcoming virtual Q&A with Chris on August 14, 2024, at 4 pm MDT. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 1h 06m 00s | ||||||
| 7/7/24 |  Dabrowski 101, An Introduction to the Theory of Positive Disintegration | In episode 60, Chris and Emma introduced the theory of positive disintegration in a nutshell. We did our best to make it as approachable as possible and kept jargon to a minimum. Our goal was not to deliver a scholarly presentation of the theory but one for the layperson going through positive disintegration. This introduction was created especially for the 2024 Dabrowski Congress for attendees who want to learn more about the theory behind the conference. Our hope is that it will serve for years to come as a primer for positive disintegration. As Emma often says, TPD is not only a theory but an experience, and those going through it appreciate a mirror that makes sense of their struggles. The topics we covered:- Background of Dr. Kazimierz Dabrowski- Nervousness, Psychological Tension and Big Emotions- The Five Types of Overexcitabilities- Types of Development, Developmental Potential and Multilevelness, and Multilevelness in Personality Growth- Hierarchy of Values, the Third Factor of Development (and Nature, Nurture, and the Third Factor)- Unilevel vs. Multilevel Disintegration- Positive Maladjustment, Spontaneous Multilevel Disintegration, Pain, and Self-Reflection- Challenges in Discovering and Acting on Values, and Organized Multilevel Disintegration- Transforming Overexcitabilities into Tools for Growth- Lifelong Journey of Personal Growth, and Personality as an Achievement- Resources, DC2024, and Final Thoughts Register for DC2024 at https://dabrowskicenter.org/registerIf you want to join one of Chris’s courses this year, click here to register your interest and receive more information. We created Dabrowski 101 as a video and podcast episode. You can watch the video on YouTube.Quotes “The prefix over attached to ‘excitability’ serves to indicate that the reactions of excitation are over and above average in intensity, duration, and frequency” (Dabrowski, 1996, p. 7, Multilevelness of Emotional and Instinctive Functions). "Making multilevelness the central concept in the approach to development means that we have to apply it to every phenomenon under scrutiny. It means that we are using a new key, or paradigm, with which to approach human behavior and its development. It now becomes less meaningful to consider, for instance, aggression, inferiority, empathy, or sexual behavior as unitary phenomena, but it becomes more meaningful to examine different levels of these behaviors." (Dabrowski, 1996, p. 10)“Discovering in ourselves higher levels of development, higher tendencies, and sensitivities, we simultaneously create them.” Dabrowski, 1994, "The Heroism of Sensitivity," an interview in Advanced Development Journal. "Do not run from yourself but conquer yourself!" P. Cienin, 1972, p. 40, (Existential Thoughts and Aphorisms). “Movement from “what is” to “what ought to be” opens a channel for resolution and direction of developmental tensions. When this channel is not open, as in unilevel disintegration, the tensions lead to severe psychosomatic illness, psychosis, or suicide.” Dabrowski, 1977, p. 43, (Theory of Levels of Emotional Development, Vol. 1) “Crises are periods of increased insight into oneself, creativity, and personality development” Dabrowski, 1964, p. 18, (Positive Disintegration) More resources* Download a PDF with the list and short definitions of dynamisms at https://dabrowskicenter.org/1977 * For more on "nervousness" and the history of overexcitability: https://dabrowskicenter.org/origins * The book we mentioned on the slide with five types of OE was "Mellow Out," They Say. If I Only Could" by Michael M. Piechowski.* Download Table 1 from Mellow Out, Forms and Expressions of Overexcitability* The following papers from Michael M. Piechowski include case studies of moral exemplars that shed more light on the higher-level dynamisms:* Piechowski (1990): Inner Growth and Transformation in the Life of Eleanor Roosevelt * Piechowski (1992): Etty Hillesum: “The Thinking Heart of the Barracks”* Piechowski (2009): Peace Pilgrim, Exemplar of Level V* Podcast episodes we mentioned:* Episode 2: Overexcitabilities and Pseudoscience* Episode 8: Surviving Disintegration* Episode 33: A Personal Journey of Self-Discovery with David SweeneyConnect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 52m 25s | ||||||
| 6/10/24 |  Building Better Social Worlds with Theory | In episode 59, Chris and Emma were joined by Dr. Sergej van Middendorp and Abbie VanMeter of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. We discussed the CMM (Coordinated Management of Meaning) theory and its intersection with the theory of positive disintegration. Sergej helps generate healthy systems with action research-based practice in improvisation, design, and communication. In the Netherlands, he facilitates a collaborative support network of caregivers and IT providers in their development of an integral digital health system. He is on the CMM Institute's Board of Stewards. Abbie is the host of the Stories Lived. Stories Told. podcast. In partnership with the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution, she is involved in a number of projects that work to make the tools, language, and knowledge offered by the communication theory Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) more accessible. CMM theory posits that persons in conversation (when we communicate with each other) co-create their social realities, and are simultaneously shaped by the worlds they construct. Its focus is on storytelling and meaning-making, and the goal of the CMM Institute is to create better social worlds, by helping people communicate in healthier (and more conscious) ways. Meaning is socially constructed—we all have a part in its creation. We discussed how one intersection between positive disintegration and CMM theory is how positive communication and storytelling can include conscious choice, awareness, and relational dynamics in shaping personal growth and social interactions. By being mindful of the stories we tell and the meaning we create through communication, we can contribute to building better social worlds and fostering genuine connections with others.Both CMM theory and the theory of positive disintegration provide language to name and understand our experiences. These frameworks are empowering because they serve as toolkits that can help us in our meaning-making efforts. Abbie and Sergej will be presenting virtually at the 2024 Dabrowski Congress in the session “Improvising Personal and Social Evolution with the Theory of Positive Disintegration (TPD) and the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM).” Resources from this EpisodeCMM Institute websiteStories Lived. Stories Told. Podcast“Plan for Emergence” episode with Abbie and SergejChris and Emma were on Episode 44 and Episode 45 CMMi on Substack CosmoKidzCosmoTeenz Fellows on InstagramWatch Sergej and Abbie’s preview video for DC2024. Click here to register for the 2024 Dabrowski CongressWe want to thank the CMM Institute for becoming a DC2024 sponsor! Positive Disintegration Podcast, Ep. 22 on Nonviolent CommunicationConnect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 48m 46s | ||||||
| 5/20/24 |  Walking Your Talk: DC2024 Workshop Preview | In episode 58, Chris and Emma shared a preview of the workshop they’ll deliver together at the 2024 Dabrowski Congress on July 11, 2024. We started with an overview of the Congress schedule, highlighting the mix of virtual and in-person sessions designed to cater to a diverse audience. Our workshop, which is virtual only, aims to assist participants in aligning their actions with their values—a crucial step toward achieving authenticity.We discussed the importance of understanding and defining personal values and how these guide our behaviors and decisions. Drawing on our experiences and insights, we emphasized the role of values in navigating periods of disintegration and personal growth. We also touched on the structure of our workshop, which will include practical exercises to help attendees articulate their values and develop a personal action plan to embody these values in their daily lives. The workshop is designed to be interactive, allowing for personal reflection and group discussion.Finally, we encouraged our listeners to register for the Congress and join us in this transformative workshop! We concluded by expressing our excitement about the opportunity to share tools and strategies that have significantly impacted our own journeys toward authenticity.Join us at the Dabrowski Congress to explore how you can walk your talk and be true to your values. Visit the official DC2024 pageRegister for the 2024 Dabrowski Congress on EventbriteConnect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe | 20m 29s | ||||||
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