Today’s episode is something special. We’re joined by Stephanie Mitchell — a former Division I track and field athlete, brilliant geologist, proud Black woman, and fellow neurodivergent friend of the show.

Together we explore All American and dive deep into the emotional themes it portrays — identity, anger, loss, resilience, and the constant search for belonging. Stephanie brings her unique perspective as both an athlete and a neurodivergent woman to unpack what these moments mean for those who have felt unseen, unheard, or misunderstood.

💬 In this episode, we explore:

🏃‍♀️ The pressure on athletes, especially Black women, to push through pain and perfectionism

🎭 The exhaustion of masking and code-switching to fit into spaces that were not built for us

💔 The complexity of anger and grief when we lose people we love

🧠 Hypervigilance and the trauma of constantly reading and reacting to unsafe environments

🤝 The importance of mentorship, community, and having someone remind you that rest is not weakness

This episode is about being human in all its forms — breaking down the barriers between pain and healing, between anger and love, and between loneliness and belonging.

Stephanie reminds us that community is what saves us, that even in our hardest moments, connection is where we find hope again.

💭 Questions for You

Have you ever struggled with anger or grief after loss

Do you ever feel pressure to keep pushing even when you’re exhausted

What helps you find peace or support when you feel disconnected

🎧 Watch the full episode now on YouTube and listen anywhere you get your podcasts

🔗 Link in bio

Follow @Differentspectrumspodcast and connect with Stephanie Mitchell to support more incredible neurodivergent and Black creators in STEM and sports

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: Stephanie Mitchell

https://www.instagram.com/steph_a_b15/

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

4:34 Scenes

11:42 Interview

1:01:00 Discussion

We’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.

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