🧠 What if everything you thought was "wrong" with you was actually your greatest superpower? In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Shannon Dwyer, a 31-year-old entrepreneur whose recent ADHD and autism diagnosis didn't just change their life—it saved it.

Shannon's story will resonate if you've ever felt like:

• You're different but couldn't put your finger on why
• Traditional systems and advice never quite worked for you
• You've been masking who you really are to fit into society's expectations
• You're building something meaningful while navigating your own unique brain

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What We Explore:

• The shocking reality of late diagnosis bias and why so many adults (especially women and non-stereotypical presentations) are missed
• How getting the right vocabulary transformed Shannon's relationships and self-understanding
• The business Shannon's building to support the neurodiverse community through digital decluttering, sustainable systems, and coaching
• Why nomadic living and pet-sitting became Shannon's pathway to financial freedom and authentic living
• The profound moment Shannon realized they were finally "coming home" to themselves

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding your brain's unique operating system is the first step to designing a life that actually works for you
• There's no "one-size-fits-all" approach to success, systems, or even living arrangements
• Sometimes the thing that makes you feel most "different" becomes your greatest gift to the world
• Community and representation matter deeply in the healing journey

This conversation is a powerful reminder that your differences aren't deficits—they're your design. Shannon's journey from feeling disconnected and struggling to fit in, to building a thriving business that serves others like them, is nothing short of inspiring.

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, late-diagnosed neurodiverse individuals, anyone questioning traditional life paths, digital nomads, and souls seeking authentic living

Connect with Shannon here:https://www.instagram.com/livingwithshanity/https://www.instagram.com/maintaining_shanity/https://www.maintainingshanity.org/

Other Links Mentioned Here:

https://theomnistaltar.com/

💫 If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear Shannon's story. Your engagement helps others find their way to this life-changing content. Don't forget to leave a 5-star review and follow for more soul-nourishing conversations!

#NeurodiverseEntrepreneur #ADHDDiagnosis #AutismAwareness #DigitalNomad #AuthenticLiving #LateDiagnosis #WelcomeHome #ConsciousLiving #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealthAwareness

Episode Title: "From Stuck to Unstoppable: Breaking Through with Tobias Fransson"Show Notes:

In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Tobias Fransson, founder of GrowByLeverage and creator of the DER Method - a revolutionary approach to overcoming procrastination and taking consistent action toward your goals.

Tobias shares his personal journey from being stuck for over two years despite having all the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, to finally breaking through and creating a system that helps others do the same. His story of transformation began with a brutally honest moment in his car where he realized that despite his best intentions, he wasn't showing up for himself or his dreams.

Key topics we explore:

• The DER Method: Drop, Evolve, Repeat - a framework for identifying what's holding you back and creating consistent forward momentum
• How to measure success based on what you can control, not external validation
• The power of taking imperfect but consistent small actions
• Breaking the cycle of "I'll do it tomorrow" by focusing on what you can do right now
• Tobias's journey from being stuck to helping others get unstuck
• The importance of checking your expectations at the door

Tobias leaves us with a powerful parting thought: "Stop feeding your excuses with the energy of your belief. Because the second you stop believing in your own excuses is when they stop holding power over you."

Connect with Tobias:

• Website: DERmethod.com
• Social Media: @GrowByLeverage on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube
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"Progress, however small, is still progress when compounded by consistency."

Episode 10: Food, Freedom & Finding Your Path with Benjamin Castro

Episode Summary:

Host Brandi welcomes TikTok star and culinary educator Benjamin Castro who shares his journey from 20+ years in food and beverage management to building his own online cooking school.

Benjamin reveals how leaving the restaurant industry improved his health, how he helps students save money at grocery stores, and why teaching cooking is about more than just food—it's about building life skills and community.

Key Topics:

• Benjamin's journey from food & beverage director to entrepreneurship
• How to avoid grocery store "scams" like misleading sales and BOGO offers
• The importance of cooking from scratch for health and finances
• Why food is central to all of life's celebrations and challenges
• Finding the courage to leave a career after 20+ years
• The mental freedom of working for yourself

Guest Spotlight:

Benjamin Castro - Former food and beverage director with 20+ years of restaurant industry experience who now runs an online cooking school teaching everyday people how to cook from scratch, save money at the grocery store, and build essential life skills.

• "That one thing that constantly is there that you're ignoring, that you're saying that's not possible—it's completely possible. All it takes is taking that first step."
• "Welcome home is a mindset of being where I'm supposed to be. I needed to work for me."
• "Food is always there. When you celebrate something—food. When someone passes away—food. Everything associates around food."

Resources:

Benjamin's online cooking program - $25/month membership offering live cooking classes, grocery shopping tours, and quick-fire tutorials

• Food Talk TV - Benjamin's Thursday cooking show on TikTok
• Legendary - The business education platform where Brandi and Benjamin met

Quick Fire Favorites:

• Favorite dish: Tacos (but Japanese food overall)
• Favorite sauce: Green tomatillo salsa
• Favorite dessert: Cheese plate
• Favorite knife: "Any knife—it's about learning how to cut"

Let's Stay Connected:

• TikTok/Instagram/YouTube/Threads: @benjamins.kitchen
• Website: Access Benjamin's cooking program through any of his social media links

Final Thoughts!

Like, subscribe, and share a review of this podcast! Your support helps us reach more people on their journey home to themselves.

Remember, we're all just walking each other home, step by step, day by day.