Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network)

Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD.  Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that came with her diagnosis, and how those experiences inspired her to amplify diverse voices in mental health.We Also Cover:

• The connection between being highly sensitive and neurodivergence.
• How undiagnosed neurodivergence impacts social dynamics and friendships.
• Addressing generational trauma from a neurodiverse perspective.
• Destigmatizing neurodivergence in the mental health field.
• Practical strategies for unmasking and achieving “ninja self-care.”
• The importance of building supportive communities for neurodivergent individuals.
• How technology and AI can assist neurodivergent individuals in setting boundaries and gaining clarity.

Quotes:

• "I didn’t know I was autistic and had ADHD until 2024. So I’m going through that whole mind map that one goes through, where you reevaluate your entire life through this new lens."
• "When you get out of victim stage, you have this room for compassion for yourself now"
• “Why do I still just not really get what other people seem to get? Why do I always feel like I’m running down this long hallway?”

About Kristin Walker:Kristin Walker is the founder and CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network and CEO of everythingEHR. With over 20 years of experience as a technology consultant for global organizations, Kristin has successfully merged her technical expertise with her passion for mental health advocacy. Under her leadership, Mental Health News Radio Network has grown into a prominent platform featuring multiple shows covering diverse aspects of mental wellness, personal development, and behavioral health innovation. As an Electronic Health Records Expert for Behavioral Health Organizations, she regularly speaks at healthcare conferences and consults with hospital systems across the country. Kristin's unique approach emphasizes collaborative leadership and creating inclusive spaces for different perspectives on mental health, making her a respected voice in both the technology and mental health communities.Connect with Kristin:

• https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/
• Kristin's Show: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/mental-health-news-radio/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinswalker/
• https://www.instagram.com/mhnrnetwork/
• https://www.facebook.com/MentalHealthNewsRadioNetwork

Related Reading:

• How To Be Happy Interview: https://howtohappy.com/kristin-walker-guest-feature/

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593