Episode Summary

Adam Mardero is a queer, neurodivergent author who lives and writes in Ontario. His first book, "Uncommon Sense: An Autistic Journey" chronicled what it was like to grow up Autistic and ADHD in the 90s and early 2000s, while his latest project is a young adult science fiction series about overcoming trauma and hate through found family. He lives with his pet cat Shelby.

Holly B. and Rogan chat with Adam about his journey as a writer, the importance of pets in providing emotional support, and the challenges of self-publishing. They explore themes of mental health, authenticity, and the role of hope in navigating life's difficulties. Adam shares insights from his experiences, emphasizing the significance of community and creativity in personal growth. The discussion flows from light-hearted banter about pets to deeper reflections on overcoming imposter syndrome and the power of storytelling.

• The importance of pets in providing emotional support.
• Navigating mental health challenges through creative outlets.
• The journey of self-publishing and its challenges.
• Finding hope in difficult times through writing.
• The significance of authenticity in personal and professional life.
• Dealing with criticism and developing a thicker skin.
• The role of community and support in creative endeavours.
• Using personal experiences to shape writing and storytelling.
• The impact of past experiences on current perspectives.
• The joy of sharing creative work with others.

• From Pets to Publishing: A Journey of Hope
• Navigating Life's Challenges Through Creativity

Sound Bites Chapters

01:45 Exploring Adam's Podcast Journey

04:50 The Bond with Pets: Adam's Cat Shelby

08:41 The Emotional Support of Pets

10:04 Writing and Creativity: Incorporating Pets into Stories

12:33 The Long Journey of Writing a Sci-Fi Series

15:13 Self-Publishing Experience and Challenges

17:40 The Joy of Promotion and Community Engagement

22:27 Handling Feedback and Criticism

24:11 The Cat Chronicles: Life with Shelby

26:16 The Writing Journey: Crafting a Fantasy Series

27:52 Balancing Work and Passion: The Author's Life

29:52 Embracing Authenticity: Overcoming Self-Doubt

32:40 The Power of Resilience: Learning from Adversity

35:17 Finding Hope: The Role of Positivity in Writing

39:24 Inner Critics: Naming Our Doubts

41:52 The Importance of Connection

49:32 Beverage Preferences and Brand Loyalty

52:19 The Stanley Cup Phenomenon

55:23 TMJ and Jaw Health

58:32 Childhood Injuries and Lessons Learned

Check out our guest's socials!

Adam Mardero - Author

The Neurodivergent Polyamorist Podcast

Instagram: @adammerdy123