Pynk Spots

PLEASE HELP MARCELLUS WILLIAMS: savemarcellus.org. He will be executed on Sept. 24th, 2024 if we can't convince Gov. Parson of Missouri to stop it. Please call, email, post, and share.In the main episode, Nic talks about the current presidential election and how Democrats are playing chicken with voters, attempting to win over Republicans while neglecting their progressive base. Despite these dangerous and offensive tactics, the anyone who attempts to critique Harris or demand better before committing their vote is screamed at and told, "Enjoy four more years of Trump, then!" This episode explores the dangers of this one-sided electoral strategy and critiques the loud calls to "vote blue," which often ignore the complexities of voter concerns and facilitate the Democratic Party's pulling the nation further to the right as they YET AGAIN run on a campaign of, "Vote for me because I'm not him."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

Hello! I'm back, did you miss me??? I decided to sit down today and knock out a casual chat style episode to break my silent streak. This is sort of a prelude to the healing series as I talk about a lot of thoughts and feelings that have come up for me over the last year or so while healing, trying to understand myself better, and going on a sober journey.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

Before diving into my healing from chronic illness series, I wanted to put out something to show support for Palestine given the horrific recent (and ongoing, and historical) actions of Israel. So, I am reposting the episode* I did with activist Jacob Z back in 2021 with an epilogue update, which starts at 1:16:30, to give an update on the situation and calls to action and additional resources for those who want to help. To participate in the Feb 25, 2024 book club for The Hundred Years' War on Palestine, join the Discord server here.*The reposted  portion has been edited down a bit (mostly to remove my meanderings) but you can still hear the original audio here.ResourcesOrganizationsPalestinian Youth MovementJewish Voices for Peace (has easy links for action!)Media (Podcasts, News, etc.)Electronic IntifadaRevolutionary Left RadioThe Empire FilesVideosMichael Brooks on Israel/Palestine: "It's not complicated" (YouTube)ISRAEL'S ALLIANCES TO DESTABILIZE MIDDLE EAST Max Ajl (YouTube)PDFs/ArticlesUnderstanding Antisemitism: An Offering to Our Movement (PDF) | Jews for Racial & Economic JusticeThe Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (PDF) | JerusalemDeclaration.orgBooksAn Army Like No Other: How the Israel Defense Force Made a Nation | by Haim Bresheeth-ZabnerEthnic Cleansing of Palestine | by Ilan PappeThe Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017 | by Rashid KhalidiGoliath: Life and Loathing in Greater Israel | by Max BlumenthalDecolonizing Israel, Liberating Palestine Zionism, Settler Colonialism, and the Case for One Democratic State | by Jeff Halper - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

Hi Barbie!

Nic is sick! What else is new?! I talk about coming down with bronchitis and trying to process that emotionally. A loose, ramble-y episode about dealing with recurrent illness, attitudes about healing, irritation at the opinions of others, and a need for socialization while this bout of bronchitis reinforces my terror of catching COVID. You know, the yoosh.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

After missing an episode in February, I'm back with a juicy, chonky, three-hour epic tale for you all! I talk about serving on a jury for the first time - how it works (here in the U.S. and in California specifically), what the details of the case were, how we voted, my perception of this as a prison abolitionist, and my experience as an autistic juror. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

Today is an unscripted ramble about my 2023 thoughts with the overall theme of Not Feeling Like Shit Anymore. The overarching approach is an attempt to accept my brain as it is, to work with it rather than be mad at it, and to embrace the slow approach to things. I've been having horrid work anxiety, struggling to accept my natural ebbs and flows of productivity, and agonizing over what to do for my future, particularly how do I make my goals align with what I want my life to look like. I've had a ton of fruitful conversations with friends about it all and have a lot of thoughts (though no answers!) about it all that I think will resonate with other folks.I'd love to hear how you process all of this, if you resonate with anything I'm going through, and what your plans are for 2023! Happy (Belated

Hey my sweet little garbanzo beans! I managed to eek out a December episode between bouts of soul-crushing work, woohoo! This episode is loosely about buying stuff and having stuff, inspired by our last two book club books, conversations in Discord, and my current intense work schedule. This one was off-the-cuff, so less focused than other episodes but hopefully enjoyable nonetheless. Less answers, more pondering. See ya next year!

This week we've got an awesome question from Ashlea about how to moderate hyperfocus (or hyperfixation, or special interests) so that we neurodivergents don't burn ourselves out on things we enjoy.ResourcesTikTok on Slow MorningsYouTube short on Hyperfocus vs HyperfixationYouTube video: Five Signs You Have ADHD & Autism- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

Hi babes! I have an amazing question from Hilda today about how to explain a gap in employment from taking time off to just chill and not be crushed under capitalism for a cotdamn minute! As we all know, employers don't typically like hearing that you are an autonomous being who doesn't like working, so how do we explain time that we needed to take in between jobs to rest, heal, and/or relax?Pulling from my own experience and also my knowledge as someone who has worked closely with hiring managers and HR people, I give my best tips for interviewing for new jobs with a gap in employment, whether that gap is short or long, and whether you are old (like me! ;P) or young!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

I answer a question from Madison asking for advice when living with a partner for the first time. We explore a range of advice, from the practical to the emotional to the protective.As mentioned in the podcast, please refer to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence or any other DV/IPV organization for tips on how to put together a safety protocol to best protect yourself from a nasty break up or abusive situation.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

Mommy's back! After my summer vaycay, I'm here to give some health updates, decisions about the show, and then talk about the main topic which is how to handle receiving help without feeling like a piece of poopie. Under capitalism we're taught that needing help is a weakness, a failure, a burden. But when you give help to someone else, it really sucks when they feel that way, right? So I speak today from my own experiences of both receiving and giving help, plus from conversations with friends, of how I approach help now and how I'd love for the people I help to process that outreach. Lastly, I have a call for mutual aid for my sister, looking for financial donations but moreso for professional connections and support, and for social media promotion. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Support Gina!Gofundme | PayPal | Venmo- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

Today Nic gives updates about the medical exams and procedures she's had lately and announces she'll be taking a break until July!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

Today's episode tackles how to handle a person in your life whose jealousy is taking over the relationship. This advice is for trying to keep that person in your life and not severing the relationship. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

After a convo with my beloved Mohera, we decided that a discussion about the dangers of inextricably tying queerness to biology would be a good topic for today's episode. I discuss my thoughts about queer-acceptance narratives that hinge on queerness being a thing that some people are born with that they "can't help." Videos mentioned in this episode:Commodifying Bi Validation: Loki vs Russell T Davies (Verilybitchie | YouTube)Abortion and Philosophy Tube | Is The Discussion Over? (Shonalika | YouTube)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

After the kerfuffle between Chris Rock and Will Smith at the Oscars, I thought this was the perfect prompt for an episode about the politics of body hair, connecting them to their sexist, classist, racist roots. Resources mentioned in this episode:The Casualties of Women's War on Body Hair (The Atlantic)Infantilization and the Body Hair Debate on Shanespeare (YouTube)Gay Men: Are You a Jock, Otter, Bear or Wolf? (Paired Life)The Male Gaze Series on A Little to the Left (YouTube)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | WebsiteJoin the community!Discord

Hey kiddos! I needed a chill episode so it's a mixed bag of me just talking about my health journey and my attempts to find work. Hope y'all like it!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Today I answer an awesome prompt from Cait about how we (particularly autistics) might have routine in a post-capitalist, post-productivity oriented world that appeases our neurodivergent brains while also embracing freedom from a 9-5 or shift work. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

In the last of the unofficial "Valentine's Day" series about breakups, Nic talks tips on how to be happy, or at least ok, alone after a breakup of any kind (romantic, platonic, familial, etc.) and makes an exciting announcement about her new podcast, link below!Nic's new Star Trek TNG podcast, Redshirt Collective, is now available everywhere!RedshirtCollective.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Responding to a vulnerable and insightful question from Brooke, Nic talks today about reclaiming your body as your own after a lifetime of viewing it as something for others. Content warning for mentions of groping and discussions of internalized fatphobia.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Emerging organically from recent conversations with friends, Nic talks about red flags to watch out for that often appear early in relationships and can serve as forewarning of potential escalating abuse or unhealthy dynamics later on, or may be so subtle that they are often dismissed or overlooked.This episode is intended to help people figure out if they may be in an unhealthy relationship that isn't serving them, or even to see if they might be replicating unhealthy behaviors themselves.  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Today Nic talks about "pandemic brain"  as she ushers in a new year of lockdown depression. ResourcesMy Favorite Things of 2021 (Pynk Spots Live Stream)Drew Lynch Stand-Up about Invisalign The Pandemic Brain: neuroinflammation in healthy, non-infected individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic (medRxiv)Late-Stage Pandemic Is Messing With Your Brain: We have been doing this so long, we're forgetting how to be normal. (The Atlantic)I have ‘pandemic brain'. Will I ever be able to concentrate again? (The Guardian)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Nic responds to a talking prompt from a listener who has never had an orgasm and is pretty ok with that (might be on the asexual spectrum) but still struggles with societally-imposed shame. Resources referenced in this episode:If Sex Has to Have a Goal, It Should Be Pleasure — Not Orgasm. Here's Why (Healthline)Asexual Sex Masturbation (Dame) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Nic answers an awesome question from PaulV about whether or not those of us who are disabled homebodies really need to get out there and socialize/exercise more. Mommy's in a spicy mood today, get ready for the heat!Mentioned in the episode: How to Get Rid of Neck Hump Fast (YouTube)7 hand exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome with pictures (Medical News Today)Yoga for Aching Joints (YouTube)There's tons of resources out there, don't be afraid to search on your own! I can't find where I heard about the hands over head and flex finger exercise, but I've found it really helpful.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Today I tackle an awesome question from Abby about how to foster and build community while also being neurodivergent and introverted...something I can heavily relate to!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Today I talk about how I feel now that I've officially turned 40, what I've learned along the way, where I hope to go next. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

This week I have a personal chat about my experience with resentment towards parents prompted by an awesome submission from community member Pia who is processing some recent information about their dad and their family dynamic. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Notes from Nic: This episode was done on Tuesday but when I went to upload my data plan was 10 minutes short so I waited until today to upload in order to not get charged. This conflicts with some things I say in the episode about what day this is coming out so wanted to clear up any potential confusion around that. Also, episodes will be posted on Thursdays now; that schedule should be much easier for me and is a change I probably should've made months ago!--------------------This week I take a break from advice to share some updates about my "healing journey" (barf) and share information I've learned about what my root cause health issue might be as well as information I've found out about the particularities around autism, digestion, and sleep. Relatedly, I also go on a rant or two about my continued frustrations at how autistic people are treated with the same protocols as neurotypicals, and how it is impossible to find medical professionals who understand and/or specialize in working with autistic adults. I'm low on questions so if you have one, now would be a great time to ask!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

This week's question comes from a listener's dad who wonders what are the signs that a child has received good parenting? As a good mommy to all of you, I of course have all the answers ;) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Nic's sister Gina joins her today to talk about her lessons learned in dismantling her identity around productivity after suffering a major injury to her foot and having to be out of work for months. We also talk mommy issues (it's the new daddy issues! so 2021!) and also saunter into some queer conversations about gender. [Sorry this episode is a few days late. I'm suffering from intense autistic burnout from our fundraiser this weekend and several other things and this episode took several hours of editing for reasons I won't bore you with. I'll eventually get back on the regular 'every other Tuesday' schedule but in the meantime, thank you for your patience. Life has been dog-piling me lately

Riikka from our Discord community writes:I'd like to hear you talk about impostor syndrome, what is your relationship with it and how to fight it. I'm looking for jobs right now & I feel extremely uncomfortable talking about my skills and achievements and I'm constantly downplaying them.As someone who has (mostly) overcome imposter feelings, I was thrilled to give my top 6 tips for overcoming imposter phenomenon/syndrome:Recognize it as a trauma response, rather than a logical factGet a hobby you are bad atGather empirical evidence of your greatnessMake a list of your strengthsDevelop a sense of selfGet over yourself!ResourcesFundraiser:Professer Flower's (Lua's) Channel - follow for updates about fundraiser!Gina's GoFundMe page - donate/share!Imposter Phenomenon Resources:Feel like a fraud? (American Psychological Association)Yes, Impostor Syndrome Is Real. Here's How to Deal With It (Time.com)The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention (1978 paper by Imes & Clance) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

This week's question, from community member Dustin, is around surviving capitalism as a leftist:Hey, NicI was wondering if you could do an advice episode on how a leftist can thrive in a capitalist society, while avoiding burnout or not succumbing to depression or other physical and mental ailments?? It's something I constantly struggle with and I'm sure many others are suffering with it as well.Important Links:Gina's GofundmeSpeciesism episode on The Vegan VanguardA Little to the Left YouTube channel- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

This week, Nic tackles a question about how to be on a well-established work team as a new person when you're also autistic. Tips for how to navigate small talk, connect with people one-on-one or in small groups, and show yourself to be a good teammate ahead!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Nic ecstatically tackles this week's question from Anonymous about a past love who has remerged, seemingly evolved and ready to commit, while they had done a lot of work to move past them and are now in a healthy relationship. Anonymous asked specifically about trauma bonds, as they feel very bonded to this person and are questioning if that is why they still feel so in love with them or if it is because there's something real there. Trauma bonds are discussed in detail, and Nic gives some of her own past experiences for flavor.ResourcesTrauma Bonding Using Real Life Examples (Reach Counseling) Trauma Bonds: What Are They and How Can We Overcome Them (The Hotline) Trauma Bonding (Abuse and Relationships.org) Trauma Bonding Signs (Healthline) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPal | Cash AppJoin the community!Discord

Nic is joined this week by Jewish activist, Jacob Z, to talk about Israel's military occupation of Palestine. Jacob walks us through the history of the occupation at a high-level, talks about the pinkwashing and veganwashing of the Israeli military, gives tips about how to discuss the situation without being antisemitic as well as how to refute Zionist arguments, and provides a ton of recommended resources for further education, all listed below.Please follow and support Plant the Land Team Gaza!ResourcesVideosMichael Brooks on Israel/Palestine: "It's not complicated" (YouTube)ISRAEL'S ALLIANCES TO DESTABILIZE MIDDLE EAST Max Ajl (YouTube)PDFs/ArticlesUnderstanding Antisemitism: An Offering to Our Movement (PDF) | Jews for Racial & Economic JusticeThe Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (PDF) | JerusalemDeclaration.orgBooksAn Army Like No Other: How the Israel Defense Force Made a Nation | by Haim Bresheeth-ZabnerEthnic Cleansing of Palestine | by Ilan PappeThe Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017 | by Rashid KhalidiGoliath: Life and Loathing in Greater Israel | by Max BlumenthalDecolonizing Israel, Liberating Palestine Zionism, Settler Colonialism, and the Case for One Democratic State | by Jeff Halper 

Today's question comes from Jasper, who asks about moving beyond frustration with a partner who is otherwise amazing but breaks one boundary that has been explicitly set and talked about. I broaden the question to include behaviors that we just don't prefer (like leaving dirty dishes in the sink), as well as established boundaries (like no flirting in front of me). I ramble around and hopefully hit on some points to consider, while also trying to caution against essentially gaslighting yourself into accepting boundary-breaking in a relationship. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via Patreon or Discord (links below)!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPalJoin the community!Discord

In this episode, Nic tackles a question that has come up in multiple conversations - how to develop a strong sense of self? Question from Yesim: In a few of your episodes you talk about the theme of having a ‘strong sense of self’. I don’t consider myself to have this. In your earlier episode you mentioned how you didn’t have a strong sense of self in the past. I’d love to hear how you cultivated that.Nic talks about her own journey to having a strong sense of self and what causes us to have a weak sense of self in the first place. She talks about things like being raised by parents that struggle with alcoholism, emotional immaturity, mental health issues, or who simply don't know how to meet an autistic child's needs, and what steps you can start taking today to make progress towards meeting your true self

After suffering from fatigue so intense it caused an existential crisis, I decided to do an unscripted loose rant about my experiences as a disabled person dealing with vaccine side effects and the reality of never feeling safe; people and their need to believe they are fully formed at your expense; and the frustration of people trying to "help" you so they can feel good about themselves. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via any of the social media links below!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Love the show!? Click the links below to support me, follow me, or join the community:Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPalJoin the community!DiscordFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Today I slip into some good 'ol unsolicited advice inspired by recent conversations with other disabled, neurodivergent, and anxious comrades around the topic of productivity. I give my perspective on "productivity" as an inherently violent capitalist concept and then dive deep into some tips on how I manage to get things done while experiencing near-constant pain, fatigue, and low executive function.Thomas Merton Quote:"To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to violence. The frenzy of our activism neutralizes our work for peace. It destroys our own inner capacity for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of our own work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful."- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via any of the social media links below!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Love the show!? Click the links below to support me, follow me, or join the community:Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPalJoin the community!DiscordFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | Website

I am joined by my friend Everett (they/them) to answer this week's question, using it as an excuse to talk about gender, queering, and heterosexualizing. Question from Mohera: I was watching TikTok and there’s a trans man I follow who put up a video about girls asking him if they are still straight if they date him. He said, “of course you are, I’m a man! Trans men are men!” I totally get what he’s saying but after everything you’ve talked about with queerness, I had some questions about this. I don’t want to be problematic so I’d like to hear what you think. While I 100% agree that trans men are men, it seems weird to me to act like a relationship with a trans man would be exactly the same as with a cis man. I think it would be a lot different to date someone who had had some of the same experiences as me and could relate to me better on those levels, and who had different life experiences from that of a cis man. It seems weird to just brush that off as the same exact thing and move on. What do you think?- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via any of the social media links below!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Love the show!? Click the links below to support me, follow me, or join the community:Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPalJoin the community!DiscordFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Today's question comes from Valerie via Instagram:I have a random question. This morning I was doing some overthinking (as per usual) and I remembered an episode where you discussed that when you were interested in someone you’d stare at them. I always thought I was the only one who did this and I was wondering what steps you might’ve taken to overcome this?I answer Valerie's question in my typical roundabout way, first delving into why we may find it hard to stop staring at a crush, what makes staring so irresistible in the first place, and then tips on how to stop. I incorporate, as always, my autistic, neurodivergent perspective on this topic. ResourcesLove, Actually: The science behind lust, attraction, and companionship (Harvard)What the ADHD Brain Wants, And Why (Dr. Ellen Littman)Blinded By Love: The Neuroscience of Crushes, Obsessions, and Rejection (Julia Ravey Science)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have a question for the show, please send it to the show name at gmail dot com or via any of the social media links below!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Love the show!? Click the links below to support me, follow me, or join the community:Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPalJoin the community!DiscordFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Nic is joined today by comrade Pearson Bolt from Coffee with Comrades to answer a listener question:"Do you have any tips for being shy and/or introverted and having a public platform (live streaming, podcasting, etc.)?"Follow/Support Pearson: Twitter |  Patreon | Website Channel Zero Anarchist Podcast Network- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Love the show!? Click the links below to support me, follow me, or join the community:Pay me, Daddy!Patreon | Venmo | PayPalJoin the community!DiscordFollow me and give me validation!Instagram  | Twitter | Facebook | Website