I Must Be BUG'N

Does the world seem like it's dragging along at a different pace? Do you constantly feel like you're the only one who notices "the emperor has no clothes"? Were you constantly teased or shamed for not conforming to what's "normal"? Do you wish you had accommodations for your needs that others readily received? If that sounds all too familiar, you might be BUGN (Black Underrepresented/Unidentified Gifted and otherwise Neurodivergent). This is a podcast primarily for Black gifted and otherwise neurodivergent people to learn about and discuss our unique experiences. I'm also here to create a safe and empowering space for all neurodivergent people, especially those who may not officially be identified and those from underrepresented communities. My goal is to move neurodivergence from deficiency to difference and to create a space where labels don't have to feel like pathology. Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey

I Must Be BUG'N is a health podcast hosted by Sheldon Gay, with 52 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Sheldon Gay hosts I Must Be BUG'N, a health show with 52 episodes published.

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  Episode #24

  Childhood Abuse, Autism and the Beliefs We Must Unlearn

  Sep 22, 20261h 3mS3

  Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/s3e24transcript Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In this episode of I Must Be BUG'N, I sit down with Lawrence C. Harris, a youth speaker who's turned his own journey through autism, childhood abuse, and personal challenges into a mission to help teens and young adults believe their past doesn't have to write their future. Lawrence walks me through the moment at fifteen when he stopped calling himself a victim and started asking "what if I did something about this instead," and we dig into accountability, community, and the belief he had to unlearn before real change could happen (listen to find out what that is ;-D). This one's for anyone who's ever felt stuck in their story and wondered if there was a way out. Key Topics: Autism is a different way the brain operates, not a better or worse one. Real change starts with a single question: "What if I did something about this?" Accountability means owning your choices, even when you didn't choose your circumstances. Breaking a struggle into smaller pieces makes it possible to solve. Believing you deserve help comes before anyone can actually give it to you. Stay in Contact with Lawrence Harris: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawrencec.empowers/ Resources and Links: A Free coaching call with Lawrence: https://calendly.com/lawrencecharris/coaching Free Prompt-Journal (leave him feedback on this interview): https://speakerhub.com/cta/jI6IS9 Helpful Links: Want to go deeper? Schedule a short call to explore working with me as a speaker or personal self-discovery coach: sheldongayisbugn.com Free list of Therapists for Melanated and Marginalized Groups: https://sheldongayisbugn.com/#resources Free GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNG ND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.app Umbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/resources Keywords mental health, youth empowerment, neurodiversity, personal growth, accountability, community support, unlearning beliefs, autism awareness, journaling, purpose in life youth empowerment, generational differences, social media impact, personal goals, neurodivergence, compassion, empathy, self-discovery, mental health, personal growth Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #23

  The Identities We Don't Know We Have

  Sep 16, 202621 minS3

  Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/s3e23transcript Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: I've spent a lot of time thinking about the parts of myself I didn't have language for until later in life. In this recap episode of I Must Be BUG'N, I sit with that feeling after my conversation with Patrick Casale MA LCMHC, an AuDHD therapist who didn't discover he was autistic until he was 35 years old. I ask the question that stays with me long after we stop recording: what does it cost us to grow up without the words for who we are? Autistic kids become autistic adults, yet somewhere along the way, the support just stops. I trace that gap, and I trace something harder to admit that Patrick names outright - the way ableism lives inside the neurodivergent community itself, shaping how we judge our own diagnoses before we even accept them. I follow that thread into reflecting on Patrick's thoughts on addiction, and how a search for connection can pull someone toward rooms that aren't necessarily safe. I land on the idea that keeps pulling me back in every conversation like this one: diagnosis doesn't just explain a person to themselves. It changes how they get loved. It completely changes the probability some relationships can survive. This episode is for anyone who's ever felt like a stranger in their own story - and for anyone ready to meet themselves for the first time. Key Topics: Conversations can deepen our understanding of ourselves. Many neurodivergent individuals realize their identity in adulthood. Resources for neurodivergent adults are limited compared to children. Confronting ableism is crucial for self-acceptance. Addiction often stems from a desire for connection. Understanding one's identity can improve relationships. Teaching about neurodivergence should include all ages. Self-discovery is essential for personal growth and accessing all of the joy available to us Stay in Contact with Patrick Casale: Follow Patrick on IG: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.casale Subscribe to the "AuDHD Journeys": https://patrickcasale.substack.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Check his full Linktree: https://linktr.ee/patrickcasale Resources and Links: Video of comedian Ron Funches speaking about how he found out he was autistic: https://www.instagram.com/p/DdTrMTzJN5D/ Patrick Casale's TEDx "Lessons from a late in life autism discovery&nbsp;": https://youtu.be/hyImqW69OY4?si=yeo1bjgn5rvcx0AM "My Name is Pauli Murray" documentary: https://www.amazon.com/My-Name-Pauli-Murray/dp/B09DMPMWCP Johann Hari's TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_everything_you_think_you_know_about_addiction_is_wrong My episode on the "Divergent Conversations" podcast with Patrick and Dr. Meg: https://www.divergentpod.com/blog/ep-84 Helpful Links: Hire me to speak or as your personal gifted self-discovery coach!: https://sheldongayisbugn.com Free list of Therapists for Melanated and Marginalized Groups: https://sheldongayisbugn.com/#resources Free GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNG ND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.app Umbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/resources Keywords neurodivergence, autism, ableism, addiction, relationships, self-discovery, identity, mental health, awareness, personal growth Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #21

  What Neurodivergence Changes About How We Love

  Aug 19, 202625 minS3

  Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/s3e21transcript Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: What happens when you finally start understanding how your brain works? This is a CRITICAL question... In this recap episode, I revisit my conversation with Dr. Bowen Marshall and discuss some of the most nourishing nuggets we discussed. In the full episode, we talked about neurodivergent relationships, late identification, autism, ADHD, AuDHD, and the ways our differences can create tension when we don't yet understand what's happening underneath the surface. But this conversation was about more than diagnosis. It was about what happens when we stop assuming everyone experiences the world the way we do. Key Topics: Why some neurodivergent people are missed. How overstimulation and rejection sensitivity affect relationships. Why self-awareness changes how we interpret conflict. Why "everyone is a little autistic" misses the point. How race and marginalization shape neurodivergent self-discovery. What it means to love ourselves without trying to erase our differences. Stay in Contact with Dr. Bowen Marshall: Follow Bowen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drbotyler/ Subscribe to the Substack (@bowentylermarshall) Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bowen-marshall-phd-lpcc-s-b62b2621/ Resources and Links: "Fear" by Kendrick Lamar (beware of language): https://open.spotify.com/track/23luOrEVHMfoX0AhfbQuS6?si=c0fb1d7e485e49cf If you want to look up the "Atlanta" episode I referenced, go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Slaps SPARK Autism research program: sparkforautism.org CHADD - ADHD research: https://chadd.org/research/ Autism Science Foundation: autismsciencefoundation.org The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth mental health): thetrevorproject.org Helpful Links: Hire me to speak or as your personal gifted self-discovery coach!: https://sheldongayisbugn.com Free list of Therapists for Melanated and Marginalized Groups: https://sheldongayisbugn.com/#resources Free GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNG ND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.app Umbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/resources Keywords Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Autism, ADHD ,AuDHD, Neurodivergent Relationships, Late Diagnosis, Self-Discovery, Mental Health, Relationships Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #19

  Where He Started Isn't Where He Finished

  Jul 23, 202616 minS3

  Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/s3e19transcript Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In this episode, I reflect on my conversation with Kwentin Shelton, focusing on the importance of early diagnosis in neurodivergent individuals, the struggles faced by gifted individuals, and the significance of believing in oneself. The discussion emphasizes the need for compassion, support, and understanding in educational and personal contexts, highlighting that one's starting point does not dictate their future success. Key Topics: The importance of early diagnosis for better outcomes. Gifted individuals can face unique challenges. Curiosity about oneself is essential for growth. Support systems are crucial for navigating struggles. Giftedness does not equate to perfection in all areas. Self-belief is key to overcoming societal doubts. Community support can enhance personal journeys. Labels can stigmatize rather than help individuals. Education systems need to be more inclusive. Personal growth is a continuous journey, not a destination. Stay in Contact with Kwentin Shelton: Follow him on IG: @asd_by_kas Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwentin-shelton/ Resources and Links: Kennesaw State Accessibility Collaboration Team Helpful Links: Hire me to speak or as your personal gifted self-discovery coach!: https://sheldongayisbugn.com Free list of Therapists for Melanated and Marginalized Groups: https://sheldongayisbugn.com/#resources Free GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNG ND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.app Umbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/resources Keywords neurodivergence, giftedness, early diagnosis, self-discovery, education, support, community, personal growth, mental health, inclusion Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #18

  Black, Autistic and Resilient

  Jul 9, 20261h 29mS3

  Episode Transcript (provided by Riverside - forgive any errors): https://link.sheldongayisbugn.com/s3e18transcript Follow I Must Be BUGN on IG @sheldongayisbugn Summary: In this episode, Kwentin Shelton shares his journey of neurodivergence, early diagnosis, and navigating the educational system as a Black man. We explore misconceptions about autism, the importance of representation, and strategies for support and advocacy. Kwentin Shelton shares his inspiring journey overcoming bullying, embracing neurodivergence, and pursuing his passions in tech, education, and creative projects. Discover how community, self-belief, and resilience can transform lives. Key Topics: Early diagnosis and its impact on self-esteem Misconceptions about autism and giftedness The importance of representation and support in education Challenges faced by Black neurodivergent individuals Strategies for advocacy and self-awareness The role of societal support and accommodations bullying and resilience The importance of community and safe spaces Self-belief and overcoming stereotypes Stay in Contact with Kwentin Shelton: Follow him on IG: @asd_by_kas Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwentin-shelton/ Resources and Links: Kennesaw State Accessibility Collaboration Team Helpful Links: Hire me to speak or as your personal gifted or neurodivergent discovery coach!: https://sheldongayisbugn.com Free list of Therapists for Melanated and Marginalized Groups: https://sheldongayisbugn.com/#resources Free GroupMe Community for Talented and Gifted adults: https://groupme.com/join_group/108040800/igLaxqNG ND Connect - Online community for neurodivergent people: ndconnect.app Umbrella ND - Non-profit focused on neurodivergent advocacy: https://umbrellaopensdoors.org/resources Keywords neurodivergence, autism, education, representation, advocacy, Black men, support strategies, misconceptions, early diagnosis neurodivergence, autism, bullying, education, community, resilience, self-belief, tech, representation, empowerment Intro and Outro music provided by byrdversion1 - "Understand" from the album Nevermore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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