When Friendships EXPLODE 💥Friendship Breakdowns Explained | Insecure ft. Nicole A. Belgrave
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 whose friendship begins to fracture under the weight of unspoken resentment, shifting success, and emotional distance. Nicole helps us unpack the real-life lessons behind these scenes, including:💛 Why miscommunication and assumptions destroy connection💬 How fear of vulnerability keeps us guarded even from our closest friends💔 What happens when jealousy or comparison sneaks into relationships🪞 The importance of growing together instead of growing apart💫 How to repair, rebuild, or release friendships with compassionThis episode is honest, funny, and full of heart. It’s about learning to love your people through their evolution, while also learning to love yourself through yours.💭 Questions for YouHave you ever had a friendship that changed as you grew olderDo you find it hard to be vulnerable with your closest friendsWhat’s one lesson you’ve learned about communication in relationshipsThanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.To find our new guest: Nicole A. Belgravehttps://www.instagram.com/gingeralewontfixthis/https://linktr.ee/nbelgrave.lmhcEpisode Breakdown:0:00 Attention0:59 Intro5:14 Scenes13:37 Interview53:06 Scene DiscussionWe’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:ONO Rollerhttps://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng Bubs Naturalshttps://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20Two Nerds Candlehttps://twonerdscandle.com/DSPCat and Raven Designshttps://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcastToynkhttps://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness
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Why So Many Autistic People Relate to Wednesday Addams 🖤 | ft. Zahraa Al-Jameel
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 dark history and what it means to be labeled an “outcast”⚖️ The challenges of living in the gray areas of life as neurodivergent people💬 The pain of being called “exhausting” or “too much” and how that impacts self-worth🔥 Why many autistic and disabled folks reject being idolized or placed on pedestals💜 The beauty of authenticity, self-acceptance, and learning to love yourself even when the world misunderstands youZahraa opens up about her experiences navigating relationships, embracing self-love, and continuing to advocate for others in her community. This episode is full of laughter, insight, and heartfelt reflection on what it means to be proudly different in a world that doesn’t always understand.💭 Questions for YouDo you ever see yourself in Wednesday Addams?Have you ever felt misunderstood for simply being yourself?What does self-acceptance look like for you as a neurodivergent person?Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.To find our new guest: Zahraa Al-Jameel @theautizztichabibbaddie https://www.instagram.com/theautizztichabibbaddie/https://portaly.cc/zahraaaljameelEpisode Breakdown:0:00 Attention0:59 Intro3:27 Scenes7:52 DiscussionWe’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:ONO Rollerhttps://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng Bubs Naturalshttps://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20Two Nerds Candlehttps://twonerdscandle.com/DSPCat and Raven Designshttps://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcastToynkhttps://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness
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K-Pop Demon Hunters & The Power of Loving Yourself | ft. Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza
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 affirming relationships🧠 Why masking and hiding your identity can be so painful for neurodivergent folks💞 The healing moment in the film when she cries out, “I need you to love all of me” — and why it resonates with so many of usThis episode blends emotion, culture, and mental health in a conversation that will move you to tears and laughter.🎧 Watch now on YouTube and subscribe to Different Spectrums Podcast for more authentic conversations on mental health, neurodivergence, and pop culture.✨ Be sure to follow Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza for more incredible insights and healing work!💬 Join the conversation:What moment in K-Pop Demon Hunters hit you the hardest?Have you ever felt unseen — and what helped you heal?Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.To find our new guest @TheKicksShrink Sulman Aziz Mirza, MDhttps://www.instagram.com/thekicksshrink/https://linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamdEpisode Breakdown:0:00 Attention0:59 Intro6:56 Scenes19:22 DiscussionWe’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies: ONO Rollerhttps://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng Bubs Naturalshttps://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20Two Nerds Candlehttps://twonerdscandle.com/DSPCat and Raven Designshttps://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcastToynkhttps://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness
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Why Representation in Mental Health Matters | Marvel's Ironheart x Dr. Akeem Marsh
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 painful ones🪞 Representation & mentorship — why it matters for Black and Brown youth to see themselves in positions of power🎭 The balance between nerd culture, mental health, and hope for the futureDr. Marsh shares powerful wisdom on healing, community, and why we must sit with both the joy and the sorrow to truly grow. He also breaks down scenes from Ironheart — from laughter with family to grief, loss, and the moment “Ironheart” was born.📚 Be sure to support Dr. Marsh and check out his book Not Just Bad Kids!💭 Question for you:How do you personally process grief — do you lean in or pull away?Which Marvel character has taught you the most about resilience and representation?Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.To find our new guest: Dr. Akeem Nassor Marshhttps://www.instagram.com/_doc_ak/https://linktr.ee/AMarshMDEpisode Breakdown:0:00 Attention0:59 Intro6:08 Scenes17:15 DiscussionWe’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:ONO Rollerhttps://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng Bubs Naturalshttps://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20Two Nerds Candlehttps://twonerdscandle.com/DSPCat and Raven Designshttps://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcastToynkhttps://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness
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Escaping the Matrix: Autism, ADHD & Burnout with Kimika Banfield
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 freedom looks like once you step out.👗 The Girl in the Red Dress: Distractions, illusions, and how the world pulls our focus from what truly matters.🌀 Burnout & The Corporate Rat Race: Kimika’s journey through Fortune 500 burnout and learning to set real boundaries.🧠 Autism & ADHD Together: How late diagnosis, unmasking, and affirming differences reshaped her life and identity.❤️ Life Beyond the Matrix: Parenting, dating, love, career changes, and what keeps us motivated to move forward.This conversation is funny, real, and packed with wisdom from a fellow neurodivergent voice of color navigating a world not built for us.🔗 Watch, listen, and subscribe for more:Apple | Spotify | YouTube👉 Questions for you:Would you take the red pill or blue pill?What distractions keep you in your own “Matrix”?How has unmasking changed your life?Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.To find our new guest: Kimika Banfieldhttps://www.instagram.com/makeitneurodivergent/Episode Breakdown:0:00 Attention0:59 Intro5:33 Scenes12:37 DiscussionWe’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:Let our sponsor, BetterHelp, connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/dsp and enjoy a special discount on your first month. ONO Rollerhttps://onoroller.com?sca_ref=5082016.VIt4Svd8Ng Bubs Naturalshttps://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=DSP20Two Nerds Candlehttps://twonerdscandle.com/DSPCat and Raven Designshttps://catandravendesigns.com/differentspectrumspodcastToynkhttps://toynk.com/DIFFERENTSPECTRUMSPODCAST#podcast #therapy #psychology #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #autismawareness #actuallyautistic #autism #neurodiversity #selfcare #selflove #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness
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.
South Africa