Let's unpack some behind-the-scenes podcast insights, personal reflections, listener and follower questions and what's coming next for Acronym Minds.

Expect real talk, a few surprises, and some honest moments you didn’t know you needed.

Whether you're a longtime (10 weeker) listener or just tuning in, this one feels like catching up with an old friend.

Enjoy!

Get to know Monique as we hear about her experiences as a parent of a neurodivergent child, specifically focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Monique touches on her own diagnoses and the importance of understanding neurodivergence, the emotional impact of diagnosis, and the challenges and strengths that come with navigating your own diagnosis while raising a neurodivergent child.

Monique shares her journey with her daughters diagnosis, the process of seeking support, and the significance of labels in providing necessary resources.

A reminder that everyone's story and journey looks different. This is Monique's story and lived experience. Enjoy!

Let’s explore the rich and multifaceted world of diversity. While this is a broad and complex topic that can't be fully unpacked in a single episode, there are key areas that deserve immediate attention.

In this conversation, we’ll highlight the importance of representation, cultural awareness, and inclusive thinking, especially in how we introduce these concepts to children.

We will discuss practical ways to start these crucial conversations early, foster empathy, and help kids navigate a diverse world with openness and respect.

Toddler friendly books on diversity:

• All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

• We’re Different, We’re the Same (Sesame Street)
• The Family Book by Todd Parr
• Lovely by Jess Hong
• It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr

More books on diversity:

• The Family Book - Todd Parr

• • Its my body - Elise Gravel
  • The same but different By Sarah Jennings

Books on intellectual disability:

• “My Brother Charlie” by Holly Robinson Peete (autism)
• Its okay to be different - Todd Parr
• “All My Stripes” by Shaina Rudolph (autism)

Enjoy!

Get to know Mel as we unpack her deeply personal journey, from experiencing trauma as a child to finding healing, purpose, and triumph through adulthood and motherhood.

Mel opens up about the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and how she’s transformed pain into power, not only as a woman but now as a mother.

In this episode, Mel also shares candidly about living with OCD, anxiety, and postpartum depression, and how a combination of everyday coping strategies and medication helps her manage these diagnoses.

Whether you're navigating your own healing journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers honest insights, inspiration, and hope. It’s a raw and uplifting dialogue that reminds us growth is possible, even in the darkest moments.

A reminder that everyone's story and journey looks different. This is Mel's story and lived experience. Enjoy!

Let’s unpack the five love languages — not just what they are, but how they connect to our mental and emotional wellbeing. Whether you're all about quality time or big on words of affirmation, understanding how you and those around you give and receive love can be a powerful tool for healing, connection, and self-awareness.

Book referenced: The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman Podcast episode mentioned: Mamamia Out Loud – You're A Bitch, And That's Why We Lack Community

Enjoy!

Get to know Jessi as we unpack the emotional rollercoaster that came from her first pregnancy and postpartum journey through to her second empowering and healing journey with her second daughter.

While the goal was to have a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) Jessi found redemption through her second labour and birth, feeling empowered and informed when choosing to take this path again.

Jessi shares her experience so openly, in hopes that it helps other parents feel less alone.

A reminder that everyone's story and journey looks different. This is Jessi's story and lived experience. Enjoy!

Jessi's aesthetically pleasing instagram page: @jessiabass

Hear how becoming a Mum also helped me become a better version of myself mentally and how Motherhood helped me further understand my own mind and the areas I was no longer able to manage or mask.

From Post Partum Anxiety and Post Partum Depression signs to a formal OCD diagnosis, hear how I navigate this and now manage it in my everyday life.

Get to know Kim as we unpack the emotional weight that can come with the journey into motherhood. From the physical and emotional toll of IVF, to the often-unspoken reality of postpartum depression (PPD) and trauma (PTSD).

Kim shares her deeply personal story with honesty and strength.

A reminder that everyone's story and journey looks different. This is Kim's story and lived experience. Enjoy!