Welcome to the Different Spectrums Podcast — a dynamic mental health podcast that blends entertainment with education! Hosted by Dr. Nazeer Zerka, an autistic therapist, and Spencer Srnec, our hilarious and insightful co-host, we explore mental health, autism, neurodivergence, trauma, and relationships through the lens of popular movies and TV shows. 🎬🧠 Join our global cast of licensed therapists, neurodivergent voices, and special guests as we break down powerful scenes, normalize emotions, and unpack what healing really looks like in our communities.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by the amazing Nicole A. Belgrave, a warm-hearted therapist, educator, and advocate who brings her insight and humor to the HBO hit series Insecure by Issa Rae. Together, we explore friendship, communication, and the challenges that come with growing alongside people you love.
We take a deep dive into some of the most emotional and relatable moments between Issa and Molly, two strong Black women ...
In today’s episode, we’re joined by the amazing Zahraa Al-Jameel, a fellow autistic advocate, law student, and content creator who uses her voice to empower and educate others. Together, we dive into the Netflix series Wednesday and explore why so many neurodivergent people see themselves in Wednesday Addams.
We break down powerful scenes from the show, including:
🧩 Wednesday’s confrontation with the principal about the school’s...
Today we’re diving deep into one of the most emotional and powerful films on Netflix — K-Pop Demon Hunters. We’re joined by Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD, a triple board-certified psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and YouTube creator who’s helping redefine representation in medicine and media.
Together, we explore:
💔 What it means to live with shame, guilt, and loneliness when you feel “different”
🔥 The power of self-acceptance and ...
Today we’re beyond honored to be joined by the brilliant Dr. Akeem Nassor Marsh — a highly respected, board-certified Black psychiatrist, professor, author, and true inspiration.
Together we dive into Marvel’s Ironheart on Disney+ and use it as a lens to explore:
💔 The complexity of grief, from childhood losses to family, dreams, and community
🧠 How trauma can make us compartmentalize — hiding good memories to avoid pain...
Today we’re diving deep into The Matrix with our amazing guest, Kimika Banfield — HR specialist, content creator, autistic and ADHD advocate.
We explore what it really means to live inside “the Matrix” and the courage it takes to break free, unmask, and live authentically as a neurodivergent person.
✨ In this episode we cover:
🟦 Red Pill vs. Blue Pill: Why so many of us choose comfort, safety, and masking… but what freedo...
Today we’re joined by Tony Weaver Jr., one of the top children’s authors in America and the brilliant mind behind Weirdo. Tony is a trailblazer in storytelling, literacy, and representation, and he brings a raw and inspiring conversation to the pod.
This episode goes deep into:
Being different: what it means to embrace your “weirdness” and live authentically
Mental health and survival: Tony’s vulnerable story of suicidalit...
Today, we’re talking about Grey’s Anatomy with special guest Sarah Finch, MA, LMFT, founder of Nido Individual & Family Therapy. Together, we explore the complexities of functional depression, suicidality, and how these struggles show up in Meredith Grey’s journey.
Key Topics in This Episode
Functional Depression
How people continue working, parenting, and “living life” while silently battling depression and suicidal thoughts.
Suic...
Inside the Mind of Vans Pro Skater Beatrice Domond: Morals, Grief, and Healing [Ft. Beatrice Domond]
Today we’re joined by professional skateboarder Beatrice Domond – Vans team rider, Supreme skater, and one of the most fearless women on a board. We dive into her favorite movie The Prince of Egypt (1998) and use it to explore some powerful themes.
Beatrice shares how the film mirrors real-life lessons on:
Morals and values: Once you see the truth, you can’t unsee it – you have to act.
Standing firm: The cost of speaking out, protecti...
Today we welcome content creator, podcaster, and fellow ADHD, anxiety, and OCD brother Kyrus Keenan A. Westcott (aka Ky). You may know him from The Vibe with Ky where he’s been helping thousands of people laugh, learn, and navigate life with mental health at the forefront. Now, he’s joining us on Different Spectrums Podcast to break down one of his favorite films: Children of Men (2006).
💭 Humor as Survival
We dive into how humor ca...
We’re back with another powerful guest episode featuring Dr. Portia Jackson Preston, DrPH – professor, speaker, author, and one of our newest friends in the neurodivergent space. She just released her first book Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go, and today we dive deep into what it means to live a “non-stop” life.
We kick things off with Disney+’s Hamilton and the song Non-Stop, which Dr. Portia connects with personally. That constant ...
We’re back from vacation — and we’re kicking off the next chapter with Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This isn’t just about the action and the nostalgia. We’re unpacking the emotional gut punches hidden in the movie.
From the laugh-out-loud “magnetic room” scene that perfectly mirrors depression, to the raw vulnerability between Sonic & Shadow, we’re talking mental health, loss, grief, and how isolation changes us.
What you’ll hea...
Today’s episode is a solo talk as we get ready for vacation. We’ll be gone for a few weeks, then return with the second half of Season 3. This conversation is focused on the panic, fear, and emotional heaviness that so many people are carrying right now—especially those who are neurodivergent, highly empathetic, or deeply tuned into justice and suffering in the world.
For a lot of us, the pain feels inescapable. Whether it’s bec...
Hey everyone! Today’s episode is special. We’re finally sitting down to have an honest conversation for Men’s Mental Health Month (even if it’s a bit late). We know this topic runs deep, for so many men, opening up and staying vulnerable is one of the hardest things to do.
Masculinity, Shame & Silence
We dive into how masculinity often gets tangled up with silence. We talk about how so many men grow up learning that feeli...
Today’s episode is a powerful, raw conversation with Marquise Bowie — a remarkable community leader, author, mentor, and father. You may know him from his deep work at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, or as part of the Agape Movement, encouraging, mentoring, and supporting youth and Black-owned businesses downtown.
Spencer first met Marquise downtown and knew right away that his story had to be shared — a story of survival, t...
Today’s episode is a vibrant journey through the mind of musical legend Pharrell Williams and his animated documentary Piece by Piece, available on Netflix. Narrated entirely with Legos, this documentary captures the beauty of neurodivergence, the power of friendship, the art of self-expression, and how music can be both a lifeline and a revolution.
🎨 SYNESTHESIA & EARLY NEURODIVERGENCE
We dive into Pharrell’s childhood expe...
Today we’re diving into Win or Lose, the new Disney+ animated series that hits deep with themes of anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional avoidance. We focus on the first two episodes, following Laurie and Frank, two characters who embody the struggles so many of us face — whether it’s childhood pressure, fear of failure, or the armor we wear in relationships. Brought to the show by Spencer, this one hits home personally and clinically...
Today we’re diving into the award-winning series Boston Legal, specifically Season 2, where we meet Jerry — an autistic, brilliant legal researcher portrayed with complexity and rawness. This episode is full of powerful moments about masking, misjudgment, workplace trauma, and the emotional cost of being different in a system built to exclude us.
🎭 Before and After Diagnosis
We explore Jerry’s journey through several intense scenes ...
Today, we’re honored to sit down with the brilliant Dr. Han Ren — licensed psychologist, educator, neurodivergent therapist, and upcoming author. In this raw, honest episode, we dive into the cult classic Office Space 🧠💼 to talk about what it really feels like to work in a world that wasn’t built for you — especially if you're autistic, ADHD, BIPOC, queer, or just tired of playing by corporate rules.
😵💫 Burnout vs. Mora...
Today we take a deeper, emotional dive into the Disney+ classic The Kid starring Bruce Willis. This episode goes beyond autism or neurodivergence — we’re talking about what it means to lose ourselves to adulthood, capitalism, family expectations, and trauma.
🪞 When We Don’t Recognize Ourselves Anymore
The film paints a vivid picture of something many of us face: waking up one day and realizing we’ve become someone we don’t even like...
Today we’re joined by the bold, brilliant, and absolutely hilarious Rebecca Faith Quinn (aka @reberrabon_bon ) — actor, content creator, and proud neurodivergent advocate 💥🎭✨
We're diving into one of Rebecca’s all-time favorite movies: The Accountant starring Ben Affleck. Together, we explore what this film gets right (and real) about autism, masking, and low support needs — with plenty of laughs and unexpected nuggets (l...
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.