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Jen deHaan: Comedy, improv,

performance, it can all take a toll

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on neurodivergent minds, especially.

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It's really important to protect our

brains while doing comedy, especially when

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we're so prone to being misunderstood and

mistreated in other parts of our lives.

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You deserve compassion and respect,

no matter where you are with either

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your mental health or your neurotype.

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This episode includes some suggestions

for how to approach keeping your

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mind safe while practicing comedy.

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They're ones I specifically use to check

in in times of raw stress and difficulty.

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Have you had difficult times in comedy?

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If so, keep listening.

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Welcome to episode 22 of

Neurodivergent Minds in Comedy.

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I'm Jenda Hahn, and I'm an autistic

and ADHD performer who is about to

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info dump all over you about the

intersection of comedy and reality.

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And neurodivergence.

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These episodes are intended to help

all humans of all neurotypes, since

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neurodivergent and neurotypical

humans do comedy together

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every day, all over the place.

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Before we get started though, real quick.

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I am only speaking for myself and my

own lived experience in these episodes.

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This is an N of 1.

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Everyone's experiences are very

different based on both their

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neurotype and their unique lived

experiences and support needs.

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My ideas in these episodes

and any information I share

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won't be right for everyone.

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The words I use and the things I

do are just my own experiences, my

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own preferences, what works for me.

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Adjust or ignore anything

that's not right for you.

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People using this podcast.

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And finally, these points are

explanations, not excuses.

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No one can change how we're wired or

how we're raised, but we can do the work

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to understand ourselves better and work

with that knowledge the best that we can.

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This article for this episode, the, it is

unlocked for the community because this

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one felt like I should just do that thing.

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And it's also the one year anniversary

of the podcast to the website.

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Yay.

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So if you want to read this in words

or share those written words, we With

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other people in the community, you can

do so today at neurodiversityimprov.

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com.

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The link will be in the show notes

and also just look for episode 22.

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It should be pretty easy to find.

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And with that all out of the way.

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Let's get started.

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This episode will give some general

suggestions to comedians, especially the

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neurodivergent ones, to protect their,

our minds while engaging in comedy and

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with other people in this community.

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I suspect a lot of it will apply

to non comedy spaces as well,

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because I am drawing from my

experience and observations in a

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variety of comedy and non comedy

communities that I have been in.

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These suggestions are not always a

commentary on my personal experience

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though, so don't read into anything.

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I'm sharing some stuff I've heard about

and experienced in completely different

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crafts and professional spaces as

well, but it's all related to comedy.

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It's all being seen

through the lens of comedy.

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For example, A special shout

out to those of us existing as

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non cishet white men in tech.

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There's lots of parallels

there to improv, for example.

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That's for sure.

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But to be clear, no hate here for cishet

white men, some of whom have been some

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of the most supportive to me of any

demographic when the hard shit happens.

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Just that our communities generally

need more diversity in the voices,

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in comedy, and in all of improv.

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And actual meaningful support for

those voices doing the work, not just

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saying that you do that thing, but

actually supporting the diverse voices.

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So I'm not angry, not at all.

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Make em ups isn't worth the

stress and hit on my health.

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To hold that anger, so I don't, but we

still need more voices, more support.

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So I'm writing some suggestions

about protecting ourselves in this

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space, so that we, we the others,

can have more of a much deserved

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and necessary voice in comedy.

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To have a seat at whatever

tables are out there.

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So this is me observing, listening,

sharing what I've learned, In trying to

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take care of myself, and trying to avoid

viral infections, and I'm spending time

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with two kittens called Shortstack and Dr.

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Crepes to take care of myself.

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You can see their photo

in the written article.

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You can find the link in the show notes.

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Anyways, about The

forthcoming suggestions.

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I think it's important to make the

kinds of observations I'm making

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in this episode and just to check

in on yourself from time to time.

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I'm doing this regularly myself

and I think that it helps to do so.

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So I thought I'd share what I do.

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I mean, why not?

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If it's helpful to people.

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Checking in on yourself in whatever

spaces you're participating in, I

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think is good for mental health.

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And most days mine is pretty crap.

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So it's important that the things

that we love, the things that are

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supposed to help us don't contribute

to messing up mental health.

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And if it does do that, if it

does mess it up, do whatever you

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can to stop that from happening.

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Even if you have to pivot out of that

space that's making that thing happen.

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Some important notes about the

10 suggestions I'm about to make.

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Some of these suggestions might

contradict themselves, or they might

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leave out really important points.

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This is all really confusing stuff.

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It's highly personal, highly unique,

and in this case is sort of limited to

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one person's experience in brain wiring.

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So, I heartily welcome you to add your

own observations about these suggestions,

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or your own suggestions, in the comments.

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You can do this anonymously if

you want, from like a throwaway

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account, that's perfectly fine.

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Whatever.

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Is the most comfortable

thing for you to do.

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Some of these suggestions might sound

like I'm telling you to run away from

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issues, but I am not advocating that.

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And I'm not suggesting that we

avoid addressing problems in comedy.

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Quite the opposite.

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These suggestions involve sticking

within your community, but empowering

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yourself whilst doing so by forming,

say, new projects or outlets or

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something else like that as an option.

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Or while addressing the problematic

stuff, if that's even applicable.

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And, as always, all of these

suggestions are not universal.

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Lots of nuance.

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All ten, they are suggestions from

an autistic brain, even though

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they are not worded as such.

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These are worded like demands,

because it's what I ask of

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myself, what I use to check in.

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Demands on myself.

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But they are not demands for you.

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So take a suggestion, if you think

it's helpful and applies to you.

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Ignore it, if it doesn't.

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And as always, don't replace this

article or the site for working with

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a professional if you need to do so.

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You deserve compassion and respect,

no matter where you are with either

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your mental health or your neurotype.

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So, here are 10 suggestions for

taking care of yourself in comedy.

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Suggestion 1.

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Be yourself and don't compromise on it.

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Accept yourself.

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Be true to yourself.

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Be honest with yourself.

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Can you do comedy without having

to change yourself much or at all,

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just to fit in and feel accepted?

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If something doesn't feel right or

good about the type of comedy you're

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practicing, or you need to be someone

else to be accepted, respected, and

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participate in it, see if you can do

something else somewhere else in your

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practice, or some other type of comedy,

or maybe something comedy adjacent,

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or another creative pursuit entirely.

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I'm giving you permission.

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It's okay to leave or step away from a

class, a team, a performance, a community

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or theater, even a whole art form.

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If it's not working for you, if

it's not respecting you or not

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accepting you as you, more on that,

but you can step away at any time.

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If the activity is not bringing you

at least some sense of positivity

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for whatever reason you started

doing it in the first place, or

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whatever you discovered along the

way, the thing that was your passion.

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Doing that activity, such as

improv or stand up or podcasting,

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should bring value to your life.

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We have limited days, a very finite time

here on earth, so don't spend that time

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on what's usually or mostly a hobby.

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A hobby that costs you money and

time and sometimes even hard labor.

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If it's just bringing you pain?

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Just there are many other hobbies

that we can try instead that are

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actually beneficial and relaxing to

our brains Heck if even if it isn't

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a hobby for you, it should still at

least be benefit you in some way.

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So find your space and

prioritize the good.

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If you're neurodivergent, this might

mean finding a space, a team, a task,

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or a type of comedy that is safe

enough to unmask and just be yourself.

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You're supposed to enjoy comedy,

not be abused or exploited by it.

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If you don't benefit Bend yourself

to the point of almost breaking.

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And like I mentioned before, you can

always leave a class, a team, a show.

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You can ask for a refund.

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You can avoid an unsupportive

organization and so on.

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You can do these things to

support other comedians, too.

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You don't need to stay in

the environment and suffer.

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Vote for what you want to see

with your wallet or your time.

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I'm sure I'll say

something like this again.

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And this isn't running away

or not confronting a problem.

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That's good too, if you're willing

and able to take that burden

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on, hopefully with the support

of other people in that space.

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More specifically about

that in suggestion seven.

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And I kind of, I touch upon it in

several of the other suggestions as well.

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But prioritize beneficial people,

beneficial activities, and spaces in

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your life that support you as you.

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Advocate if you can, or try to find

an activity or space that does, or

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form the coaching group, the writer's

room, the class, or the team yourself.

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It might be easier than you think.

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Suggestion 2.

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Take care of yourself first for others.

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You should do comedy for you first.

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Even though comedy can be a team

or a group activity, it's important

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to take care of yourself first.

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And this isn't selfish to do.

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Taking care of yourself is doing

improv or comedy for others.

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It benefits your team, your

community, and your creativity too.

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If you don't enjoy what you're doing, What

you are doing in the moment, you might

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be doing it for validation from others.

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That external validation, like validation

from the art form or the project itself.

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More about what this

means in Suggestion 9.

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And if you're looking for that external

validation, it might never make you happy.

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And not being happy means you might not be

showing up as your best for others either.

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But more importantly, showing up

for your own brain and yourself.

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So it's okay and good to do your own

project, to direct or produce your own

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show, to create your own practice groups,

your own writer's rooms or classes even,

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to say set up a rotating or defined roles

on a team or in a project to set that up.

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You don't need to do these next

things in order to be successful.

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You don't need to follow

the ideology or the system.

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You don't need to climb and impress

the social ranks in the community.

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You don't need to be in the popular show

or sit at the cool table after a set.

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You don't need to create something

that others think is neat.

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You just want to create something

that you think is neat yourself.

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You don't need to be someone

or something that you're not.

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So help out others.

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Be in the project without the roles if

you want, or be in someone else's thing.

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It's really fun, but it's also okay to

do your own shit or to organize teams

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in a unique or new to you way or new to

the community way, however and whatever

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works, whatever is best for everyone

there, and that includes you too.

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So be creative.

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Make those suggestions, talk.

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If you are doing the work, it's

not selfish to have an ask, to

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have your own project you manage,

how you want to, or to direct the

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team's show if everyone's on board.

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If you are doing the work, you can own

or manage that work so the laborer has

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the best chance at success sometimes.

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Just make sure To communicate clearly

and discuss if other people are involved.

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So everyone is on the same page and that

means they can agree or adjust or opt out

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00:13:22,759 --> 00:13:24,399

themselves or move on themselves, etc.

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And if it's your own project, keep

an open mind and try other people's

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ideas that will work with your vision.

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And sometimes it can make

that vision even better.

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Supporting yourself is supporting others.

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And it's supporting the

team, if there's a team.

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Supporting yourself is

supporting the scene and the set.

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I think that this is part of a

great way, of many ways, to help

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create a healthier comedy community.

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Suggestion 3.

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Yeah.

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Find your joy source,

but be open to pivoting.

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Find what you like to do in comedy.

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What practice, what format,

what style works for your brain.

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Think about how you prefer

to think and communicate.

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What type of comedy lets you

be honest and show up as you.

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The right comedy for you might not be

the first type you try, or it might

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be the right thing for you to do.

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Is outside of comedy entirely.

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Is it drama, animation,

writing, voice work?

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Dog walking, naps, go find

your humans, what meshes with

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your brain and makes it flow.

240

00:14:37,995 --> 00:14:39,895

Go to where the people get you.

241

00:14:40,194 --> 00:14:43,964

These creative skills are pretty

transferable, so don't be afraid to

242

00:14:43,965 --> 00:14:48,534

just try something out and see how the

skills apply to that new thing, the

243

00:14:48,535 --> 00:14:50,055

skills that you've already built up.

244

00:14:51,064 --> 00:14:53,335

So trying new things.

245

00:14:53,829 --> 00:14:56,609

I know it's hard to try

something that's different.

246

00:14:56,609 --> 00:14:59,650

It's hard to start something

new or to leave a community even

247

00:14:59,959 --> 00:15:04,400

partially or temporarily, but finding

something better and more aligned

248

00:15:04,400 --> 00:15:06,049

to your values can be worth it.

249

00:15:06,119 --> 00:15:11,019

So those finite days remember, and you

can always go back fully or partially

250

00:15:11,020 --> 00:15:13,479

with a fresh perspective and more skills.

251

00:15:13,489 --> 00:15:14,439

It's a healthy thing to do.

252

00:15:15,050 --> 00:15:18,350

I came to improv from dance fitness

teaching and community theater.

253

00:15:18,760 --> 00:15:22,320

There's lots of overlap with

improv in these communities

254

00:15:22,340 --> 00:15:23,820

and learning and performance.

255

00:15:24,080 --> 00:15:28,300

I go back to it in a heartbeat if I

could actually, but the point here

256

00:15:28,740 --> 00:15:32,400

is making the pivot wasn't quite

as hard as I Thought it would be.

257

00:15:32,630 --> 00:15:36,560

In fact, when I started improv, I

didn't observe the skill overlap.

258

00:15:36,560 --> 00:15:38,970

I didn't even understand

it for at least a year.

259

00:15:39,370 --> 00:15:43,110

And when I did the skills suddenly

transferred and it felt great.

260

00:15:43,829 --> 00:15:48,379

So search to find that joy

and hold on when you find it.

261

00:15:48,790 --> 00:15:51,939

And if one day it seems

to disappear, assess.

262

00:15:52,374 --> 00:15:55,314

Pivot, get out of there, even

if it's just for a while to

263

00:15:55,314 --> 00:15:57,264

find yourself and take a breath.

264

00:15:57,675 --> 00:16:01,295

You don't need to keep doing

the joyless thing, and you can

265

00:16:01,324 --> 00:16:03,625

always return later to try again.

266

00:16:04,255 --> 00:16:06,504

This is so important for me.

267

00:16:06,984 --> 00:16:11,484

Re evaluate often and don't be afraid

to make changes if you need to for your

268

00:16:11,494 --> 00:16:15,675

health or to find or reignite a passion.

269

00:16:18,505 --> 00:16:22,284

Suggestion four, find

the humans who value you.

270

00:16:22,725 --> 00:16:25,245

And the ones who don't

compete with your passion.

271

00:16:26,415 --> 00:16:29,715

We often don't feel accepted as

autistic humans, for example.

272

00:16:30,295 --> 00:16:32,974

It's important to find

the people who value you.

273

00:16:33,284 --> 00:16:34,314

For you.

274

00:16:34,744 --> 00:16:35,584

As you.

275

00:16:36,314 --> 00:16:41,895

Not the ones who only value you for your

talents, not the ones who only value

276

00:16:41,905 --> 00:16:45,045

you for what you can maybe do for them.

277

00:16:45,554 --> 00:16:49,994

Not the ones who only value you

for your work ethic or your output.

278

00:16:50,474 --> 00:16:54,594

The ones who value just

you for you, the human.

279

00:16:55,065 --> 00:16:56,305

That's what you're looking for.

280

00:16:57,209 --> 00:17:02,490

Those who accept you are often humans who

share your values in an understanding of

281

00:17:02,490 --> 00:17:05,560

the community, probably in a social sense.

282

00:17:05,730 --> 00:17:08,499

This was abundantly true for me

in the dance fitness instructor

283

00:17:08,499 --> 00:17:09,589

community, for example.

284

00:17:09,959 --> 00:17:13,290

We vastly differed on why

we were doing the activity.

285

00:17:13,470 --> 00:17:17,740

Find people who share your why.

286

00:17:18,099 --> 00:17:22,480

And keep your circles open when you

spot other humans who share similar

287

00:17:22,480 --> 00:17:24,339

values, and welcome them in if you can.

288

00:17:24,589 --> 00:17:26,099

There's a yes but involved.

289

00:17:26,839 --> 00:17:28,290

I'm no expert on this.

290

00:17:28,740 --> 00:17:33,280

I'm often on the outside looking in

or from the fringe edge of the edge of

291

00:17:33,290 --> 00:17:37,210

multiple spaces, multiple, you know,

friend circles or groups or whatever.

292

00:17:37,410 --> 00:17:41,030

Always hoping deep down to

be accepted into that circle.

293

00:17:41,110 --> 00:17:44,200

I think it's the autistic

experience for many of us.

294

00:17:44,200 --> 00:17:51,345

So I want to say here, though, I don't

want Pity, nor do I want any pity at

295

00:17:51,345 --> 00:17:54,925

all, like I just don't want, I think

it's quite comforting and beneficial

296

00:17:54,925 --> 00:17:59,745

to at least be aware of this though,

because if you aren't it's easy to, you

297

00:17:59,745 --> 00:18:04,004

know, just make yourself useful to try

to get accepted into these spaces and

298

00:18:04,004 --> 00:18:06,814

that's a fast path to being exploited.

299

00:18:07,234 --> 00:18:09,884

See suggestion six for more on that.

300

00:18:10,435 --> 00:18:11,114

Just do it.

301

00:18:11,685 --> 00:18:12,604

Don't compete.

302

00:18:13,134 --> 00:18:15,574

Your passion isn't competition.

303

00:18:16,085 --> 00:18:19,915

In performance and creative spaces,

sometimes just sharing your joy

304

00:18:19,925 --> 00:18:24,905

for comedy is seen as something to

be jealous of, or to compete with.

305

00:18:25,555 --> 00:18:29,845

And I'm asking, if you see someone in your

life, innocently sharing their passion

306

00:18:29,845 --> 00:18:31,255

for their work, something they did.

307

00:18:31,545 --> 00:18:33,235

Let them talk a bit about it.

308

00:18:33,485 --> 00:18:38,664

It's not necessarily bragging or showing

off or something to be jealous of.

309

00:18:38,964 --> 00:18:41,324

It probably has nothing to do with you.

310

00:18:41,745 --> 00:18:47,020

That project or set could have

been difficult, hard won, A big

311

00:18:47,020 --> 00:18:50,250

accomplishment for that person and

maybe they just have been waiting

312

00:18:50,260 --> 00:18:53,550

all week to have the topic brought

up so they could share it a little.

313

00:18:53,900 --> 00:18:57,050

Maybe you are the only person

they can talk shop with.

314

00:18:57,970 --> 00:19:03,049

So check egos at the door on both

sides of this kind of conversation.

315

00:19:03,349 --> 00:19:07,159

But mostly just try to keep in mind

someone else's joy and comedy and their

316

00:19:07,159 --> 00:19:09,210

accomplishments are not your competition.

317

00:19:09,460 --> 00:19:12,260

And your wins aren't for them

to mentally compete with.

318

00:19:12,540 --> 00:19:15,329

Life is so much easier with this.

319

00:19:15,545 --> 00:19:17,235

Kind of mindset, I find.

320

00:19:17,315 --> 00:19:22,135

Find your humans who don't

compete with your joy and value

321

00:19:22,155 --> 00:19:24,594

you for who you are as a human.

322

00:19:24,915 --> 00:19:27,954

And everyone, just cheer

on those hard wins.

323

00:19:28,284 --> 00:19:32,054

There's so Hard wins are hard to come

by in comedy, so let's cheer them on.

324

00:19:34,424 --> 00:19:36,395

Suggestion five.

325

00:19:37,225 --> 00:19:40,885

Ignore the gatekeepers

and find your confidence.

326

00:19:41,520 --> 00:19:44,870

The latter isn't real, unless you

want to believe in the latter.

327

00:19:45,510 --> 00:19:46,870

This is an art.

328

00:19:47,140 --> 00:19:51,160

There are so many ways to do it,

and there isn't a set criteria on

329

00:19:51,170 --> 00:19:56,970

how to get there, how long it takes,

or what way you need to do it.

330

00:19:58,110 --> 00:20:02,200

And, gasp, you don't need to

be a cishet white man to climb

331

00:20:02,200 --> 00:20:03,770

it or seek proper compensation.

332

00:20:03,780 --> 00:20:06,899

Actually, you don't need to climb

it at all if you don't want to.

333

00:20:06,899 --> 00:20:09,199

You don't have to believe in the latter.

334

00:20:09,969 --> 00:20:14,499

Sure, yes, there is knowledge,

expertise, and experience.

335

00:20:14,909 --> 00:20:17,449

Absolutely respect worthy.

336

00:20:17,699 --> 00:20:19,520

I respect that so much.

337

00:20:19,520 --> 00:20:23,840

I mean, autism, you respect knowledge and

intelligence and expertise and everything.

338

00:20:24,189 --> 00:20:25,850

But it's also about.

339

00:20:26,180 --> 00:20:32,830

You, the human, in all of your atypical

glory, with all of your prior acquired

340

00:20:32,899 --> 00:20:39,050

skill sets, your unique voice, your

experiences in comedy and other

341

00:20:39,050 --> 00:20:43,780

places, and talents too, they're

very relevant in this space as well,

342

00:20:43,780 --> 00:20:47,639

and you deserve to offer them to,

and you deserve respect for them.

343

00:20:48,610 --> 00:20:51,740

So, you are walking the walk.

344

00:20:51,760 --> 00:20:52,419

What now?

345

00:20:53,180 --> 00:20:54,140

You're doing the work.

346

00:20:54,930 --> 00:20:55,980

You found your people.

347

00:20:56,950 --> 00:21:00,129

Remember that gatekeepers will

gatekeep for mysterious reasons.

348

00:21:00,330 --> 00:21:03,100

Sometimes even when they purport

to be on the same team and

349

00:21:03,129 --> 00:21:04,799

value the same stuff as you.

350

00:21:05,340 --> 00:21:07,929

Pay the gatekeepers no heed.

351

00:21:08,020 --> 00:21:09,960

They will always be there.

352

00:21:10,429 --> 00:21:12,400

Stay true to yourself.

353

00:21:13,109 --> 00:21:18,410

Be honest to your craft and march

on that path that you believe in.

354

00:21:18,930 --> 00:21:21,240

As long as damage isn't being done.

355

00:21:21,615 --> 00:21:26,865

That atypical path you make for you

is right for comedy and right for you.

356

00:21:27,455 --> 00:21:34,185

Keep your eyes and mind open with honesty

and respect in your heart, but walk or

357

00:21:34,185 --> 00:21:37,635

strut that path with your head held high.

358

00:21:37,965 --> 00:21:39,955

Confidence is hard.

359

00:21:41,185 --> 00:21:45,305

Finding confidence in the arts

is remarkably hard, especially

360

00:21:45,385 --> 00:21:49,195

now, especially when you might

be alone because, you know,

361

00:21:49,195 --> 00:21:50,625

marginalized, isolated, whatever.

362

00:21:51,290 --> 00:21:54,929

How do you even know what

you're doing is a walk at all?

363

00:21:55,240 --> 00:21:59,960

But you deserve to be here and do

comedy, even if you haven't found

364

00:22:00,100 --> 00:22:02,429

where you want to be quite yet.

365

00:22:02,869 --> 00:22:07,210

Even if someone is jealous of your hard

work, or someone else doesn't think

366

00:22:07,339 --> 00:22:11,899

you're doing comedy the typical correct

way, or come up with some other reason

367

00:22:11,980 --> 00:22:17,050

you shouldn't be doing what you're

doing, you still deserve to do comedy.

368

00:22:17,290 --> 00:22:18,650

You are always enough.

369

00:22:19,230 --> 00:22:22,090

And your voice is

valuable, and it matters.

370

00:22:22,760 --> 00:22:27,530

There is no comedy god, even if

there's some compelling educational

371

00:22:27,530 --> 00:22:29,639

branding and emotional tithes to pay.

372

00:22:32,130 --> 00:22:33,590

Suggestion six.

373

00:22:34,199 --> 00:22:35,480

Protect your value.

374

00:22:36,000 --> 00:22:40,219

I'm saying this from the standpoint

of over a couple decades in

375

00:22:40,219 --> 00:22:43,360

corporate tech and online creative

work as opposed to comedy.

376

00:22:43,720 --> 00:22:48,540

It's the same in that space as

it often is in comedy, from what

377

00:22:48,540 --> 00:22:52,790

I've observed from the comedic

sidelines, comparatively speaking.

378

00:22:53,670 --> 00:22:57,809

Your value isn't tied to your

experience level in comedy.

379

00:22:57,809 --> 00:23:01,700

If you're doing other work,

such as stuff that supports the

380

00:23:01,700 --> 00:23:03,410

industry, that brings in cash.

381

00:23:04,060 --> 00:23:05,389

Money's trading hands.

382

00:23:05,760 --> 00:23:09,100

You quite likely bring much

more than your comedy skills to

383

00:23:09,100 --> 00:23:10,320

the table when you're working.

384

00:23:10,680 --> 00:23:14,669

If money is exchanging hands, you

are worth compensation for the task

385

00:23:14,670 --> 00:23:18,719

that you're doing, not based on your

skill level in comedy or where you

386

00:23:18,750 --> 00:23:21,279

are in some imaginary social order.

387

00:23:21,990 --> 00:23:25,070

Financial promises or anything

else you might be shooting for,

388

00:23:25,090 --> 00:23:28,270

acceptance, respect, exposure, etc.

389

00:23:28,865 --> 00:23:32,985

are not likely to materialize down the

road if you're working for free today.

390

00:23:35,325 --> 00:23:39,045

Suggestion seven, communicate

openly and in good faith.

391

00:23:39,615 --> 00:23:41,514

Make sure you're acting in good faith.

392

00:23:41,724 --> 00:23:43,455

Check in with yourself.

393

00:23:43,474 --> 00:23:46,624

What's your motivation in

whatever issue is happening?

394

00:23:46,874 --> 00:23:47,634

Be honest.

395

00:23:48,205 --> 00:23:51,605

Do you want more stage time to correct

an honest problem, get someone off

396

00:23:51,605 --> 00:23:55,685

the team you just don't vibe with,

or improve the ethics of a community?

397

00:23:56,370 --> 00:24:00,620

Even in the name of disability and

inclusion, it's very easy to forget

398

00:24:00,810 --> 00:24:04,759

people are from different backgrounds,

different places on a spectrum, or

399

00:24:04,759 --> 00:24:07,890

just don't have the knowledge in

something that is obvious to you.

400

00:24:08,049 --> 00:24:11,109

Do we understand the motivation

behind the trait, for example?

401

00:24:11,280 --> 00:24:14,570

Do we understand that person's

background, culture, education,

402

00:24:14,609 --> 00:24:16,540

upbringing, when they were upbrought?

403

00:24:16,910 --> 00:24:20,400

Level of exposure to new

social norms, for example?

404

00:24:20,640 --> 00:24:22,100

Are we giving them that space?

405

00:24:22,629 --> 00:24:26,120

Listen and take necessary breaks.

406

00:24:26,950 --> 00:24:29,570

Have patience, educate and explain.

407

00:24:29,800 --> 00:24:32,590

Listen and stay in good faith.

408

00:24:32,860 --> 00:24:36,299

It's very easy and honestly

quite understandable for passion

409

00:24:36,299 --> 00:24:38,129

to get in the way of fairness.

410

00:24:38,570 --> 00:24:40,620

Performers are often a passionate lot.

411

00:24:40,710 --> 00:24:41,170

That's good.

412

00:24:41,350 --> 00:24:48,590

But we have to try and not let bad faith

occur and instead Listen hard and learn.

413

00:24:49,420 --> 00:24:51,770

Listen without returning

to previous assumptions.

414

00:24:52,080 --> 00:24:56,800

Listen to the explanation and don't

ignore it to return to an original

415

00:24:56,800 --> 00:25:00,110

point, an initial take or belief.

416

00:25:00,999 --> 00:25:04,589

Take the explanations you hear

as good faith unless and until

417

00:25:04,730 --> 00:25:07,960

you have good reason to believe

something is not in good faith.

418

00:25:08,360 --> 00:25:10,510

Ask questions, listen more.

419

00:25:11,389 --> 00:25:15,220

Taking breaks to check in with

yourself is good too, and do fight

420

00:25:15,290 --> 00:25:17,260

for improving our communities.

421

00:25:17,979 --> 00:25:22,100

Just make sure to keep the conversations

fair to everyone involved, maintain

422

00:25:22,100 --> 00:25:25,929

good faith conversations, and be honest

at all times for a beneficial outcome.

423

00:25:26,199 --> 00:25:30,779

Avoiding diagnoses and labels

based on behaviours is important.

424

00:25:31,160 --> 00:25:35,575

Since this is a NeuroDivergent

series, I think this is probably

425

00:25:35,575 --> 00:25:37,165

important to mention right now.

426

00:25:37,545 --> 00:25:42,135

Be cautious of using labels or

diagnoses when discussing these issues.

427

00:25:42,545 --> 00:25:43,895

People can be complicated.

428

00:25:44,215 --> 00:25:48,924

Internal motivations, such as

what motivated the display of an

429

00:25:48,925 --> 00:25:53,464

external trait, among many other

things, need to be considered before

430

00:25:53,474 --> 00:25:55,084

a formal diagnosis can be made.

431

00:25:55,525 --> 00:25:57,025

biomedical professional.

432

00:25:57,765 --> 00:26:03,075

For example, two people can seem to

lack empathy as an external trait,

433

00:26:03,085 --> 00:26:04,345

that's something that you see.

434

00:26:04,785 --> 00:26:08,385

Only one of those two humans might

actually lack empathy though,

435

00:26:08,585 --> 00:26:11,365

although both seem to on the outside.

436

00:26:12,250 --> 00:26:16,440

So determining where that external trait

is coming from, that isn't our job.

437

00:26:16,740 --> 00:26:19,210

Motivations are usually unknown to us.

438

00:26:19,210 --> 00:26:22,719

And any kind of diagnosis is not

appropriate to ask about when

439

00:26:22,719 --> 00:26:24,700

holding community discussions.

440

00:26:24,849 --> 00:26:28,879

For example, an external trait can be

shared amongst several diagnoses and the

441

00:26:28,879 --> 00:26:34,820

diagnostic manual, the DSM, even a batch

of them can span more than one diagnoses.

442

00:26:35,260 --> 00:26:38,370

But the internal motivators, like I

said, are One of the most important

443

00:26:38,370 --> 00:26:42,520

criteria for figuring out what the

diagnosis is, among many other factors.

444

00:26:42,530 --> 00:26:44,150

Again, I am not a professional.

445

00:26:44,260 --> 00:26:45,540

I'll do one more case here.

446

00:26:45,730 --> 00:26:48,930

Neurodivergent humans are sometimes

thought to be under the influence of

447

00:26:48,970 --> 00:26:51,239

alcohol when we're completely sober.

448

00:26:51,449 --> 00:26:52,540

Same external trait.

449

00:26:52,720 --> 00:26:55,770

completely different

internal or invisible cause.

450

00:26:56,020 --> 00:26:58,440

That's why it's really important

not to make those assumptions here.

451

00:26:58,440 --> 00:27:03,340

So of course punishing someone in the

community for their diagnosis or a crisis

452

00:27:03,360 --> 00:27:07,900

or something else or forcing them to

expose the cause, that's not great either.

453

00:27:07,900 --> 00:27:12,840

So we want to avoid these things and

be very careful about assuming any

454

00:27:12,840 --> 00:27:16,740

kind of root cause for an external

behavior or an external trait.

455

00:27:17,690 --> 00:27:23,620

Focus on the results of an action

and what needs to change to make our

456

00:27:23,620 --> 00:27:26,550

spaces more beneficial to everyone.

457

00:27:26,969 --> 00:27:30,060

So be cautious about making

those assumptions about what

458

00:27:30,060 --> 00:27:33,440

might be seen as problematic

behaviors without open thinking.

459

00:27:33,754 --> 00:27:35,804

and careful communication.

460

00:27:35,824 --> 00:27:38,324

Again, have the conversation.

461

00:27:38,534 --> 00:27:43,504

There's so much crap and abuse and

old ways and comedy amongst everything

462

00:27:43,504 --> 00:27:47,104

else, and we really need to have

these discussions to see the growth.

463

00:27:47,105 --> 00:27:51,825

So talk, listen, and try to

meet each other in and maintain

464

00:27:52,084 --> 00:27:53,734

good faith conversations.

465

00:27:54,674 --> 00:27:55,584

Check in.

466

00:27:55,945 --> 00:28:01,855

With our personal motivations, honestly

and regularly, notice them and communicate

467

00:28:01,915 --> 00:28:07,365

openly while focusing on ourselves and our

own motivations, keeping them in check.

468

00:28:07,674 --> 00:28:10,894

If the discussion is shut down

or avoided, you don't have

469

00:28:10,895 --> 00:28:12,345

to stay in that environment.

470

00:28:12,464 --> 00:28:15,365

You don't have to finish the

series or stick with the theater.

471

00:28:15,535 --> 00:28:18,305

You don't have to start your

own theater to stay in comedy.

472

00:28:18,635 --> 00:28:21,225

There's a million different

avenues that you can take.

473

00:28:21,990 --> 00:28:26,440

But I hope community discussions

can start in good faith and maintain

474

00:28:26,440 --> 00:28:29,470

that honesty and happen more often.

475

00:28:29,860 --> 00:28:32,479

I know I was repetitive there,

but that's so important.

476

00:28:32,510 --> 00:28:34,370

I think, you know, it's maybe worth it.

477

00:28:34,389 --> 00:28:35,180

I hope you agree.

478

00:28:38,149 --> 00:28:42,919

Suggestion eight, ask for

or seek accommodations.

479

00:28:43,679 --> 00:28:47,860

Speak up and ask for accommodations

and access needs in any way you

480

00:28:47,860 --> 00:28:49,540

feel comfortable when you need them.

481

00:28:49,740 --> 00:28:52,530

If you're not comfortable, ask

for a different way to communicate

482

00:28:52,530 --> 00:28:53,999

that does make you comfortable.

483

00:28:54,230 --> 00:28:58,649

Maybe it's using an anonymous form or

messaging from an anonymous email address

484

00:28:58,649 --> 00:29:00,089

or getting someone else to do it for you.

485

00:29:00,310 --> 00:29:04,379

Seeking accommodations helps

normalize it for your future

486

00:29:04,379 --> 00:29:06,550

self and for other people too.

487

00:29:07,520 --> 00:29:11,970

And it's really important in this section

to talk about advocating for other people.

488

00:29:12,139 --> 00:29:17,500

If you Don't need accommodations made,

you're lucky, or you're in a place, uh,

489

00:29:17,510 --> 00:29:19,530

to suggest them or make them a reality.

490

00:29:19,650 --> 00:29:22,240

Maybe you're running the

theater or something, do it.

491

00:29:22,530 --> 00:29:27,390

It's wonderful for those of us with access

needs to not have to do the labor of self

492

00:29:27,459 --> 00:29:29,449

advocating to seek them all the time.

493

00:29:30,059 --> 00:29:35,510

This is a true ally, actually

walking the walk with us and for us.

494

00:29:35,830 --> 00:29:36,730

Helping us out.

495

00:29:37,200 --> 00:29:41,180

For example, add a text area on

your registration form to add access

496

00:29:41,180 --> 00:29:44,550

needs without needing to be asked

for this by someone in the community.

497

00:29:44,960 --> 00:29:47,770

Your improv friend has difficulty

with a certain icebreaker.

498

00:29:47,770 --> 00:29:50,769

Suggest a different one

without outing them.

499

00:29:50,770 --> 00:29:51,560

Don't mention their name.

500

00:29:52,219 --> 00:29:54,360

Some of the things are as simple as that.

501

00:29:54,639 --> 00:29:56,330

Don't wait to be asked.

502

00:29:56,500 --> 00:29:59,060

Don't leave all the advocacy

to the marginalized.

503

00:29:59,080 --> 00:30:00,570

That's the key thing.

504

00:30:00,580 --> 00:30:01,690

If you can do it, do it.

505

00:30:02,020 --> 00:30:04,839

And even when things

get more serious, like.

506

00:30:05,070 --> 00:30:06,930

Say there's a problematic

coach or teacher.

507

00:30:06,940 --> 00:30:10,960

Speak up or support the discussion

for the person that's experiencing

508

00:30:10,960 --> 00:30:14,290

that problem, as highlighted in the

previous suggestion number seven.

509

00:30:15,270 --> 00:30:18,680

But sometimes there's

conflicting access needs.

510

00:30:19,270 --> 00:30:22,649

If you ask for something to be

accommodated by an individual,

511

00:30:22,659 --> 00:30:26,360

especially, see if that adjustment

works for their needs too.

512

00:30:26,810 --> 00:30:30,360

Sometimes we might need to tackle

the accommodation from both sides.

513

00:30:30,380 --> 00:30:33,350

If that adjustment places

stress on that person's end,

514

00:30:33,530 --> 00:30:35,539

you might have some conflicting.

515

00:30:35,780 --> 00:30:39,570

Access needs that you need to work out,

but there's often ways to work within

516

00:30:39,570 --> 00:30:43,780

the bounds of both parties needs open to

discussion and figure out something that

517

00:30:43,780 --> 00:30:49,230

works and These conflicting access needs

it can be true in group environments as

518

00:30:49,230 --> 00:30:52,270

well such as classes and theaters the

more people the more conflict But if

519

00:30:52,610 --> 00:30:57,370

we're open to working together oftentimes,

we can make some changes that benefit

520

00:30:57,410 --> 00:30:59,850

a greater number of humans over time.

521

00:31:02,150 --> 00:31:08,830

Suggestion nine, analyze where value comes

from, especially if you're depressed.

522

00:31:09,770 --> 00:31:11,570

So, I'm a dysthymic human.

523

00:31:11,860 --> 00:31:15,750

For me, that means mild to

moderate depression since I was 12.

524

00:31:16,170 --> 00:31:19,329

Persistent depression is common

for autistic humans, and depressed

525

00:31:19,329 --> 00:31:24,160

humans, neurodivergent or not,

are also not uncommon in comedy.

526

00:31:24,449 --> 00:31:25,659

I know there's a lot of us here.

527

00:31:26,090 --> 00:31:28,890

So I'm giving this topic a

suggestion all of its own.

528

00:31:28,930 --> 00:31:30,170

Number 9 is for us.

529

00:31:30,800 --> 00:31:33,050

Try to find the value in the activity.

530

00:31:33,110 --> 00:31:33,920

Doing comedy.

531

00:31:33,970 --> 00:31:34,440

Wow.

532

00:31:35,100 --> 00:31:36,200

You're doing it.

533

00:31:36,590 --> 00:31:40,890

This is especially true, or so I've

been told, if you experience dysthymia.

534

00:31:41,750 --> 00:31:42,740

So what does that mean?

535

00:31:43,260 --> 00:31:48,009

It means don't try to find happiness

in what others think of your comedy.

536

00:31:48,030 --> 00:31:50,100

Like how good you are at it.

537

00:31:50,719 --> 00:31:53,930

Don't try to find happiness in

what your comedy or the comedy

538

00:31:53,930 --> 00:31:55,400

work provides other people.

539

00:31:55,410 --> 00:31:58,730

Like proving your value to

others, making yourself useful.

540

00:31:59,260 --> 00:32:03,699

Don't try to find happiness in the project

itself being done well or to your liking.

541

00:32:04,440 --> 00:32:10,980

Like I wrote the perfect pilot and the

great font don't use the project as

542

00:32:10,980 --> 00:32:16,569

that external validator That's hard

find value or happiness in the process

543

00:32:16,590 --> 00:32:23,180

itself during creation of the comedy

What doing the activity brings to you.

544

00:32:23,190 --> 00:32:25,100

You're looking for what that is.

545

00:32:25,580 --> 00:32:29,759

If you look to the external, like

the output, the project itself,

546

00:32:29,759 --> 00:32:34,969

or other people for approval,

yes, even the project or activity

547

00:32:34,980 --> 00:32:40,700

itself, it can potentially keep you

in that depressed dysthymic state.

548

00:32:41,870 --> 00:32:42,360

Why?

549

00:32:43,000 --> 00:32:45,880

Because you're still looking to that

external thing, like the improv set or

550

00:32:45,880 --> 00:32:48,270

your finished podcast episode for joy.

551

00:32:48,550 --> 00:32:51,230

And that's just not going to help

you out because it's external.

552

00:32:51,500 --> 00:32:56,040

Some of it can be external, but some of

it has to be internal from the activity.

553

00:32:56,330 --> 00:32:59,180

Make sure you get value while you perform.

554

00:32:59,715 --> 00:33:05,485

While you take the class, while you

socialize after the set, the act of

555

00:33:05,485 --> 00:33:08,844

doing comedy while you're spending your

minutes and hours doing it should be

556

00:33:08,865 --> 00:33:14,354

beneficial to your life in some way, not

the end thing that you get out of it.

557

00:33:15,105 --> 00:33:19,955

And if not, don't be afraid to say no

and pivot until you do find something

558

00:33:20,215 --> 00:33:24,855

that gives value to your life while

you perform, while you do the thing.

559

00:33:24,865 --> 00:33:27,585

It doesn't have to be everything,

but it has to be something.

560

00:33:27,885 --> 00:33:29,655

Me, I'm still working on this.

561

00:33:29,664 --> 00:33:30,545

It's hard.

562

00:33:30,545 --> 00:33:32,354

It's so fucking hard.

563

00:33:35,075 --> 00:33:40,215

And finally, suggestion 10,

value your mental health.

564

00:33:41,135 --> 00:33:46,455

Value it like your life depends

on it above all other things.

565

00:33:47,180 --> 00:33:50,900

Do whatever you need to keep

your mental health as good as

566

00:33:50,900 --> 00:33:56,309

you possibly can, whatever that

is, whatever it means to you.

567

00:33:56,989 --> 00:34:01,989

We all know improv is not therapy,

comedy is not therapy, so we need

568

00:34:01,989 --> 00:34:08,230

to make sure we walk that walk and

find outside help when we need it.

569

00:34:08,455 --> 00:34:10,465

Or, take that much needed break.

570

00:34:11,115 --> 00:34:14,335

Because things like

autistic burnout are deadly.

571

00:34:14,615 --> 00:34:17,715

So is depression, and so is

loneliness and isolation.

572

00:34:17,745 --> 00:34:18,295

Well, it can be.

573

00:34:18,665 --> 00:34:22,754

Uh, and especially if you won

the lottery on all of the above.

574

00:34:23,075 --> 00:34:23,985

It can be deadly.

575

00:34:24,515 --> 00:34:28,335

Couple that with improv stress and you

might light the fuse to a powder keg.

576

00:34:28,345 --> 00:34:29,525

And that's no good.

577

00:34:29,615 --> 00:34:30,815

No one wants that.

578

00:34:31,395 --> 00:34:35,324

If you experience any of those

conditions, protect yourself, whatever

579

00:34:35,374 --> 00:34:39,495

way you need, whatever you do, whatever

practice or art form or hobby, it's

580

00:34:39,504 --> 00:34:41,564

not worth taking you seriously.

581

00:34:41,835 --> 00:34:42,395

Away.

582

00:34:42,435 --> 00:34:46,045

And of course, as a reminder,

these activities are not therapy.

583

00:34:46,045 --> 00:34:47,405

It's not where you want

to be working this out.

584

00:34:47,405 --> 00:34:48,865

You want to work it out

with a professional.

585

00:34:49,625 --> 00:34:55,335

Anyways, that's why I made these

suggestions for myself to check in, to be

586

00:34:55,505 --> 00:35:00,664

my own advocate for myself, advocate for

yourself as much as you do for others.

587

00:35:01,215 --> 00:35:01,585

Or more.

588

00:35:02,225 --> 00:35:06,625

Because the others might not have

your back when you need it most.

589

00:35:07,315 --> 00:35:09,994

Just call a friend or a family, they say.

590

00:35:10,185 --> 00:35:14,535

And so many of us autistics give that

response the lifelong side A, right?

591

00:35:14,615 --> 00:35:16,074

Other humans are hard to rely on.

592

00:35:16,665 --> 00:35:20,195

So have your own back

preemptively, if you can.

593

00:35:20,515 --> 00:35:22,345

You know yourself best.

594

00:35:22,755 --> 00:35:27,634

Try to take this shit into your

own hands and own it, if you can.

595

00:35:28,415 --> 00:35:32,664

And always remember, people who seem

okay on the outside are sometimes not.

596

00:35:33,105 --> 00:35:36,295

Especially when we're doing

comedy and acting and performing

597

00:35:36,595 --> 00:35:38,735

and masking our own autism.

598

00:35:39,205 --> 00:35:43,475

We can sometimes be pretty good at

covering this stuff up until we're not.

599

00:35:44,314 --> 00:35:48,004

So check in on your friends if you

got them and let them check in on you.

600

00:35:50,115 --> 00:35:52,584

So try to take care of yourself.

601

00:35:53,005 --> 00:35:57,045

Try to take care of your mind, that

beautiful neurodivergent mind of

602

00:35:57,045 --> 00:35:59,535

yours and try to take care of others.

603

00:35:59,545 --> 00:36:03,845

Support what you value in the

community to keep it there for

604

00:36:03,845 --> 00:36:06,995

you and for others for longer.

605

00:36:07,514 --> 00:36:13,294

Support those people who value you

over the system and being seen.

606

00:36:13,834 --> 00:36:16,884

Value yourself, not the latter.

607

00:36:17,504 --> 00:36:21,155

Stick with those who value

you, not what you might be

608

00:36:21,155 --> 00:36:23,344

able to do for them, you know?

609

00:36:24,095 --> 00:36:24,965

But what do I know?

610

00:36:25,645 --> 00:36:28,665

I'm just some random autistic who

doesn't understand social stuff or

611

00:36:28,665 --> 00:36:33,305

people, so take everything I just said

with an extra large grain of salt.

612

00:36:34,065 --> 00:36:38,354

I have no idea if my time of

duress brought any clarity.

613

00:36:38,775 --> 00:36:42,085

Maybe this whole list of

suggestions is a great big mess.

614

00:36:42,554 --> 00:36:45,225

But I will end on that

human note, actually.

615

00:36:45,805 --> 00:36:49,245

This list of suggestions was originally

written on a dark day of mine in

616

00:36:49,245 --> 00:36:52,415

the middle of a four year autistic

burnout and significant depression.

617

00:36:53,085 --> 00:36:56,525

After the dark, I sometimes have a

little bit more clarity on this tough

618

00:36:56,525 --> 00:37:02,574

stuff, so I kept what I wrote in case

it was true this time around, and

619

00:37:02,574 --> 00:37:07,205

it was this list of suggestions, and

I'll let you decide on that part.

620

00:37:08,135 --> 00:37:11,775

But I thought about these things a lot

in the weeks that followed that day.

621

00:37:12,430 --> 00:37:14,420

I maybe even started to heal a little bit.

622

00:37:15,220 --> 00:37:19,480

And then, of course, another really

major crisis unfolded in my life.

623

00:37:19,780 --> 00:37:22,930

My biggest one yet in life,

in all of my years, which have

624

00:37:22,930 --> 00:37:24,679

contained some pretty big ones.

625

00:37:25,199 --> 00:37:29,315

And it unfolded as I was sitting at

what I thought was the bottom Of my

626

00:37:29,315 --> 00:37:33,645

depression ravine and all of this

has happened whilst mostly alone

627

00:37:33,865 --> 00:37:37,665

after just losing most of my Special

interest community of humans and work.

628

00:37:37,665 --> 00:37:42,654

I loved and activities for a second

time in the past four years Thank you

629

00:37:42,675 --> 00:37:47,954

ongoing pandemic, which is all to say

how important it is to be proactive

630

00:37:47,954 --> 00:37:49,325

about this kind of mental stuff.

631

00:37:50,035 --> 00:37:55,295

Don't push Protecting your brain to

another day or another week start

632

00:37:55,295 --> 00:38:00,280

taking care of yourself today If

you aren't or just try If you can.

633

00:38:01,530 --> 00:38:06,070

Even if you do a little, it might help

when the next big thing comes your way.

634

00:38:06,990 --> 00:38:11,869

I think my little bit of healing,

maybe, maybe, helped me in the

635

00:38:11,869 --> 00:38:14,010

early days of this crisis of mine.

636

00:38:15,159 --> 00:38:18,860

But like, don't do a

crisis to have clarity.

637

00:38:19,600 --> 00:38:20,200

Hell no!

638

00:38:20,980 --> 00:38:21,910

Of course not!

639

00:38:22,220 --> 00:38:27,550

But it's good to analyze your situation

when you can in whatever state you're in.

640

00:38:28,140 --> 00:38:30,770

Different states afford

different perspectives.

641

00:38:30,780 --> 00:38:32,670

So use What you got.

642

00:38:34,010 --> 00:38:34,730

And that's all.

643

00:38:35,640 --> 00:38:36,420

So there you go.

644

00:38:37,130 --> 00:38:39,790

I don't know how this episode

and article will come off.

645

00:38:40,160 --> 00:38:43,839

Relatable, complaining, full

of misery, or angry, or too

646

00:38:43,840 --> 00:38:45,460

vulnerable, or too this, or too that.

647

00:38:45,680 --> 00:38:48,570

But I want to assure you, I'm not angry.

648

00:38:48,699 --> 00:38:53,329

I don't want to complain, and would

very much dislike any form of pity.

649

00:38:53,739 --> 00:38:55,074

But at any rate, I'm not angry.

650

00:38:55,325 --> 00:38:59,335

Some of you won't be happy you're like

this, I guess, and I'm okay with that,

651

00:38:59,495 --> 00:39:04,065

because I've enjoyed working on it, and

I'm trying to refuse to define success

652

00:39:04,084 --> 00:39:08,565

or purpose from the project itself in my

attempt to be a little bit less dysthymic.

653

00:39:09,755 --> 00:39:11,285

Suggestion 9, baby.

654

00:39:11,374 --> 00:39:15,475

But I should say, in transparency,

this whole podcast is not

655

00:39:15,475 --> 00:39:17,195

my comfort zone by a mile.

656

00:39:17,805 --> 00:39:22,485

It's scary and ridiculously uncomfortable

to be this vulnerable, even though it's

657

00:39:22,485 --> 00:39:24,875

a small niche podcast not heard by many.

658

00:39:25,375 --> 00:39:29,575

Even when I do the mundane ones, it's

still really hard to be this vulnerable,

659

00:39:29,985 --> 00:39:33,675

but I'm going to be honest with you

no matter what, because honesty is

660

00:39:33,675 --> 00:39:36,635

the only thing that works here when

we're talking about improving our own

661

00:39:36,635 --> 00:39:39,335

minds, communities, and communication.

662

00:39:39,725 --> 00:39:42,765

And this podcast is just from

now on, at least going to be

663

00:39:42,765 --> 00:39:44,025

about what I want to talk about.

664

00:39:44,720 --> 00:39:49,130

As a recently passed middle age

autistic ADHD human with roving intense

665

00:39:49,150 --> 00:39:53,320

interests, I've been formally trained

in and embedded in many communities

666

00:39:53,330 --> 00:39:55,840

on a fairly comprehensive scale.

667

00:39:56,170 --> 00:40:01,769

And from that I can say, comedy

is a wildly strange community.

668

00:40:02,129 --> 00:40:06,780

It's a beast of its own, despite giving,

you know, retro Silicon Valley vibes.

669

00:40:07,120 --> 00:40:11,090

Let's keep our neurodivergent

minds safer here.

670

00:40:12,100 --> 00:40:12,800

And take care.

671

00:40:15,390 --> 00:40:15,920

All right.

672

00:40:16,010 --> 00:40:19,640

So that was our episode

number 22 for this week.

673

00:40:20,130 --> 00:40:24,830

Uh, as of now, and you may have

noticed, the podcast has a new name,

674

00:40:24,840 --> 00:40:26,900

Neurodivergent Minds in Comedy.

675

00:40:27,090 --> 00:40:30,669

But the podcast and the Neurodiversity

in Improv site covers the same kind of

676

00:40:30,669 --> 00:40:35,099

stuff, just with a slightly greater focus

on neurodivergence and a slightly wider

677

00:40:35,100 --> 00:40:37,180

lens to performance and writing in comedy.

678

00:40:37,180 --> 00:40:39,149

And as I mentioned, I'm

going to talk about just what

679

00:40:39,160 --> 00:40:40,920

interests me and what I like.

680

00:40:41,090 --> 00:40:45,730

To do in the name of dysthymia

suggestion number nine, the podcast

681

00:40:45,740 --> 00:40:49,429

on its own will have its own domain

and site neurodivergentcomedy.

682

00:40:49,460 --> 00:40:53,089

com and the current site and

bonus resources will remain the

683

00:40:53,090 --> 00:40:56,950

same and continue to be focused

on neurodiversity and improv.

684

00:40:57,340 --> 00:41:01,640

You can follow the releases of the

podcast and those bonus resources in

685

00:41:01,640 --> 00:41:04,080

the neurodiversity in improv newsletter.

686

00:41:04,445 --> 00:41:07,905

Or the one on Stereo Forest

if you just want the episodes.

687

00:41:08,305 --> 00:41:10,765

Podcast and bonus materials.

688

00:41:11,085 --> 00:41:14,245

The, I might schedule a bit of

a shift, it's pending at the

689

00:41:14,255 --> 00:41:16,805

time of recording this podcast.

690

00:41:17,234 --> 00:41:19,085

So, about the next episode.

691

00:41:19,095 --> 00:41:23,425

They're released about every second

week on Tuesdays or late on Mondays.

692

00:41:23,745 --> 00:41:26,145

And if I take any breaks or

pauses, I'll mention them in

693

00:41:26,145 --> 00:41:28,675

the show notes and the episodes.

694

00:41:29,935 --> 00:41:33,375

And finally, if you find this

podcast useful, consider sharing

695

00:41:33,415 --> 00:41:34,865

the episode with your friends.

696

00:41:34,865 --> 00:41:38,510

Transcribed And, or rate and

review on Apple podcasts.

697

00:41:38,760 --> 00:41:42,260

And if you're able to support

this work at neurodiversityimprov.

698

00:41:42,290 --> 00:41:45,770

com, especially if it helps

your work or adds value to your

699

00:41:45,770 --> 00:41:47,769

practice, it's really appreciated.

700

00:41:47,780 --> 00:41:51,509

Any of these things will help me

continue spending the time and the labor

701

00:41:51,509 --> 00:41:53,799

and the resources to keep it going.

702

00:41:54,110 --> 00:41:58,070

If you do become a paid supporter,

again, you get those special extra

703

00:41:58,090 --> 00:42:01,900

resources that might help your work

in comedy and gain insight about

704

00:42:01,910 --> 00:42:04,090

learning as a neurodivergent human.

705

00:42:04,100 --> 00:42:06,790

And it supports again,

this podcast, keep going.

706

00:42:07,320 --> 00:42:10,189

So surveys, I have surveys available.

707

00:42:10,190 --> 00:42:14,200

If you would like to share your voice with

others who listen to this podcast, you

708

00:42:14,200 --> 00:42:17,120

can find those surveys at stereoforest.

709

00:42:17,130 --> 00:42:19,770

com slash neurodiversity.

710

00:42:20,000 --> 00:42:23,270

I'd love to have your

insights, your voice.

711

00:42:23,595 --> 00:42:24,805

on this podcast.

712

00:42:25,055 --> 00:42:28,275

And finally I created

and I write this podcast.

713

00:42:28,445 --> 00:42:32,075

It's also edited and produced by

Stereo Forest, which is also me.

714

00:42:32,335 --> 00:42:37,804

All of these links and a few more

will be available in the show notes.

715

00:42:38,165 --> 00:42:38,765

Thanks.

716

00:42:38,835 --> 00:42:40,255

And I'll talk at you later.