9 Lives

I spent most of my life thinking I was too sensitive, too intense, too obsessive and somehow simultaneously capable of doing extraordinary things and completely incapable of doing things everyone else seemed to find easy.
Then I found out I was autistic.
In this episode of 9 Lives, I’m talking about receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult, the signs I missed for decades, masking, burnout, sensory overwhelm and why so many neurodivergent women can become incredibly good at appearing “fine” while quietly exhausting themselves trying to keep up.
But this episode isn’t just about diagnosis.
It’s about what happens afterwards.
I’m sharing the practical things that have helped me build a life that actually works with my brain: managing executive dysfunction, protecting deep focus, reducing sensory overload, communicating more explicitly, working with my energy rather than against it, and letting go of systems that were never designed for me in the first place.
Because I spent years asking, “How do I make myself work?”
Maybe the better question was: “How do I make my life work for me?”
Whether you’re autistic, ADHD, neurodivergent, questioning, or simply exhausted from trying to function in ways that don’t seem to fit you, I hope there’s something in this episode that makes life feel a little easier.
Until next week,
Cass 🖤

What do you do when you don’t feel like yourself anymore?
After trauma, heartbreak, burnout or a period of simply trying to survive, it can feel like the person you used to be has disappeared. Your nervous system is on high alert, everything feels harder than it should, and “getting back to normal” can feel completely impossible.
In this episode I’m sharing the practical tools that helped me find my way back to myself.
This isn’t about pretending everything is fine or forcing yourself to “heal” faster. It’s about what you can actually do when you’re in survival mode: how to ground yourself, regulate your nervous system, rebuild trust in yourself and slowly create a life that feels like yours again.
Think of this episode as a toolkit for the days when your brain is telling you that you’ll feel like this forever.
You won’t.
If you don’t feel like yourself anymore, this one's for you.

Until next week, Cass 🖤

I went quiet for a whole year. This episode is where I finally tell you what fell apart, what I couldn't do anymore, and how I slowly found my way back to someone I actually like being.
Nothing polished, nothing wrapped up with a neat ending. Just the truth of it, messy middle included. Season four starts here and it's the most "me" this show has ever been ... more magic, more folklore, more physics, more feeling, more heart.
I'm really glad you're here for it.
Until next week, Cass 🖤 x

Hi friends!
This week we are discussing all things plateaus & finding your spark again. If you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or like you’re just spinning your wheels lately, this episode is for you. I tell you all about my own biggest plateaus, and we’re diving deep into overcoming it and regaining that motivation, whether it’s to do with your career, fitness journey, creative projects, or just your general day-to-day. It’s time to learn to trust the process of learning, adapting, and preparing for what’s next, and finally break free from your rut.
With love,
Cass

(12:01) What is plateaus?
(14:36) The story of my own biggest plateaus
(23:57) The ”just before” theory
(28:08) Recognising why you’re stuck
(37:56) Finding your spark again
(44:32) The science behind plateaus
(46:24) Spiritual practices for reigniting motivation
(51:11) Listener challenge

Welcome back to 9 Lives Whispers of Wonder!

This week I am reading you a Gaelic wonder tale about The Hoodie Crow, a story about love and perseverance.

I hope you enjoy and see you in two weeks for another Whispers of Wonder.

Always love!

Cass