Episodes

  • Ep 8: Predictably undiagnosed or the impossible tale of Gender Bias
    Aug 21 2024

    In this episode, it's just you and me as we delve into the impactful topic of gender bias in medical diagnoses. I share my personal journey with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and discuss the broader implications of gender bias, including misdiagnoses and the historical neglect of female-specific conditions in medical research. This episode sets the stage for a series of upcoming interviews that will delve deeper into these critical issues.

    Connect with me on:

    • Email: ⁠⁠Daria.Mushinsky@gmail.com⁠⁠

    If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

    • ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

    • If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

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    33 mins
  • Ep 7: Discussing the power of language with Rawi Nanakul
    Aug 6 2024

    The Impact of Language on Neurodivergent Narratives | Odd Ducklings Podcast

    In this episode, we spotlight Rawi, an ADHD and product management coach, as he delves into the critical role language plays in shaping neurodivergent experiences. We discuss the importance of self-awareness and emotional regulation, the challenges of disclosing neurodivergence in the workplace, and how to use language to create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.

    Don't miss this insightful conversation on how the right words can make all the difference in understanding and embracing neurodiversity. Stay odd!

    Connect with Rawi Nanakul:

    • ADHDproduct.com

    • ADHDpm.substack.com

    Rawi’s recommendations:

    • How to ADHD by Jessica McCabe

    • Atlas of the heart by Brené Brown

    Connect with me on:

    • Email: ⁠⁠Daria.Mushinsky@gmail.com⁠⁠

    If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

    • ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

    • ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

    • ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠


    In this episode -

    00:00 Welcome to Odd Ducklings

    00:23 Understanding Neurodivergent Careers

    00:37 Two great points

    05:12 Guest Introduction: Rawi

    06:26 Defining Neurodivergence

    10:13 The Importance of Language and Disclosure

    24:05 Daily Startup Mantra and Creating Space for Others

    25:11 The Power of Disclosure in the Workplace

    26:27 Understanding and Managing ADHD in the Workplace

    28:18 Optimizing Work Schedules Based on Personal Peaks

    33:23 Navigating Feedback and Emotional Regulation

    35:15 Tools and Strategies for Emotional Regulation

    42:24 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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    46 mins
  • Ep 6: Embracing self-Awareness, Mental Health, and Life's Challenges with Michael R. Kane
    Jul 9 2024

    In this episode, we delve into the importance of being self-aware and how understanding neurodiversity with you and others can actually save a life.

    Our guest today is Michael R. Kane!

    Michael shares his journey as an author, special education teacher, and leader in the Boy Scouts of America. He discusses his personal battles with ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, and how he embraced his neurodivergencies through self-discovery, Finding a purpose, medication and creative writing.

    This episode highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues, and how Michael uses his experiences to assist his students. Tune in for an in-depth, inspiring conversation!

    ⚠️ ⁠TRIGGER ALERT - Talking about suicide: Could be avoided by skipping minutes 12-14


    Connect with Michael R. Kane:

    • Last Train Facebook Page

    • Last train on Amazon

    Connect with me on:

    • Email: ⁠Daria.Mushinsky@gmail.com⁠

    If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

    • ⁠Facebook⁠

    • ⁠Instagram⁠

    • ⁠LinkedIn

    In the episode:

    0:00 Interview - Michael, on the process of self awareness

    03:37 Meet Michael R. Kane

    04:19 Navigating Neurodivergence in Education

    06:49 Ice breakers

    11:06 Struggles with Depression and Anxiety

    12:14

    13:23 End of

    18:36 Self-Masking and Career Changes

    21:06 Finding Routine and Self-Realization

    21:45 Personal Struggles and Relationship Challenges

    22:44 Opening Up About Mental Health

    24:12 The Journey of Self-Acceptance

    27:49 Creative Outlets and Coping Mechanisms

    31:31 Balancing Mental Health and Daily Life

    38:22 Discussing the Book and Its Themes

    39:39 epistolary

    I hope you enjoy this episode as we try to get better every time, if you have any feedback or if you think you want to participate in an episode, please send me an email!

    That’s it for today, stay ODD and I’ll see you on the next episode!

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    45 mins
  • Ep 5: Rewriting Your Narrative: Benjamin Stimson on Dyspraxia and Personal Growth
    Jun 25 2024

    Join us on The Odd Ducklings for an insightful conversation with Benjamin Stimson, a therapist, author, and medieval history researcher.

    Benjamin opens up about his fascinating journey from North Wales to Canada, and his experiences with Dyspraxia, neurodivergence and learning how to learn.

    He dives into topics like the impact of suddenly feeling like "the odd one out", boundary-setting, and the influence of cultural transitions.

    His story is a testament to the power a good education system can have to build Neurodiverse individuals and how a lack of support could break them.

    Discover how understanding finding and following your passions can lead to remarkable achievements and also how understanding how your brain works can get you there. Tune in for incredible stories on navigating life's challenges and embracing your unique self.

    Connect with Benjamin Stimpson:

    • www.benstimpson.com/media

    Connect with me on:

    • Email: ⁠Daria.Mushinsky@gmail.com⁠

    If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

    • ⁠Facebook⁠

    • ⁠Instagram⁠

    • ⁠LinkedIn


    Topics that came up

    • The Core of Neurodivergence Discussion
    • Best and Worst Advice
    • The Impact of Family Dynamics
    • Embracing Success and Humility
    • Talking about History and Achievements
    • Support Systems
    • Being Humble - Neurodivergence or Culture?
    • Moving Across Continents
    • Dyspraxia Explained
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    46 mins
  • Ep 4: From Trauma to Triumph: Bosky's Inspiring Journey
    Jun 11 2024

    Join us on The Odd Ducklings for an impactful conversation with Bosky Mukherjee, founder of PM Dojo. Bosky shares her incredible journey of overcoming PTSD after her son’s critical health challenges and how she found resilience and joy in her professional life. Discover her insights on battling stress, the importance of asking for help, and building a fulfilling career in the tech industry. Bosky’s story is a testament to the power of grit, resilience, and the human spirit. Tune in for valuable lessons on personal growth and career success.

    Trigger Warning; If you find it hard to hear about child hospitalization some of the content in this episode might be hard for you, but I can promise a positive ending!

    Connect with Bosky Mukherjee:

    • LinkedIn
    • PM Dojo

    Connect with me on:

    • Email: ⁠Daria.Mushinsky@gmail.com⁠

    If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages:

    • ⁠Facebook⁠

    • ⁠Instagram⁠

    • ⁠LinkedIn

    Cool content recommended by Bosky:


    I hope you enjoy this episode as we try to get better every time, if you have any feedback or if you think you want to participate in an episode, please send me an email!That’s it for today,

    stay ODD and I’ll see you on the next episode!

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    45 mins
  • Ep 3: Exploring the impact of our identity with Ruby Yuen
    May 28 2024

    Have you ever felt like you just didn’t fit in?

    How do you define yourself and does your identity empower you? or does it take you down? For Ruby Yuen this has been a great challenge in her life, From growing up as an immigrant in the USA and becoming a mother while having an international career that requires traveling.. With all of that, it’s no wonder that Ruby chose the path of helping others as a career coach.

    In this episode me and Ruby explore the experiences she went through and the solutions and hacks that she accumulated along the way.

    Connect with Ruby Yuen:

    • ⁠⁠LinkedIn

    • Ruby’s Consulting website

    Connect with me on:

    • Email: ⁠Daria.Mushinsky@gmail.com⁠

    If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

    • ⁠Facebook⁠

    • ⁠Instagram⁠

    • ⁠LinkedIn⁠

    Cool content recommended by Ruby:

    • ⁠Storyworthy⁠ : The book that Ruby literally had to her side - can’t get a better recommendation if you ask me..

    • ⁠Andrew Seaman - a podcast Ruby quoted and just a great source TBH

    I hope you enjoy this episode as we try to get better every time, if you have any feedback or if you think you want to participate in an episode, please send me an email!

    That’s it for today, stay ODD and I’ll see you on the next episode!

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    45 mins
  • Ep 2: Migle and the wonderful world of work-life balance and bad therapy
    May 14 2024

    How do you actually maintain work-life balance?

    In a post-pandemic world and #hustle_culture we all try to understand what this actually means to us. As individuals or as companies it’s an ongoing conversation that will probably follow us for years.In today’s episode we explore this subject with Migle Maciunaite, a Senior Creative Project Manager at REMERGE. Migle shares her journey, offering insights into her role and how she manages to maintain a healthy work-life balance and her unique perspective, tips and strategies that have helped her succeed in her career while navigating the challenges of mental health and maybe ADHD?

    Connect with Migle:

    • ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/miglemaciunaite/⁠

    Connect with me on:

    • Email: Daria.Mushinsky@gmail.com

    If you want to support us please review and like the podcast and social media pages.

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • https://www.linkedin.com/company/odd-ducklings/


    Cool content recommended by Migle:

    • Nilo.Health : a tool that enables companies to provide mental health for their employees which I think is just brilliant!
    • Dropout : used to be college humor and brings Migle hours of joy (:
    • CaseyNeistat : who just kept going and made more episodes and is NOW officially inspired to set my goal of reaching episode 50 of Odd Ducklings

    I hope you enjoy the following episode, It's not perfect (but so are we..) and god do I look tired... But it's out, and as I always say, perfect is the enemy of done.. That’s it for today, stay ODD and I’ll see you on the next episode!

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    47 mins
  • Ep 1: Why Odd? Where Ducklings? - An introduction is due
    May 14 2024

    Welcome to the debut episode of "Odd Ducklings," the podcast where we dive into the extraordinary lives and careers of neurodivergent individuals. I'm Daria, your host, and in this introductory episode, we'll set the stage for the inspiring conversations to come.

    In "Odd Ducklings," we aim to shine a light on the unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs of our guests, who have carved out impressive careers while navigating life with neurodivergence or otherwise. Each episode features in-depth interviews where our guests share their personal stories, offer practical solutions, and provide valuable tips that can benefit everyone, neurodivergent or not.

    In this Episode:

    • Introduction to Odd Ducklings: Learn about the mission and vision behind our podcast.
    • Define Neurodiversity and what it means: A brief background on the type of individuals that will be interviewed in the podcast
    • Key Themes We'll Explore: Understanding neurodivergence, emplyee vs employer responsibility, breaking stereotypes, and finding success in various careers.
    • Preview of Upcoming Episodes: A sneak peek into what's waiting for you on the next non interview episode

    Join us as we embark on this journey to celebrate diversity, break down barriers, and discover the incredible potential within all of us. Whether you're neurodivergent, know someone who is, or simply want to learn more about different perspectives, "Odd Ducklings" has something for you.

    Subscribe now to ensure you never miss an episode. If you enjoy what you hear, please rate, review, and share our podcast with your friends and family.

    Connect with Us:

    • Email: Daria.Mushinsky@gmail.com
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • TikTok


    Thank you for tuning in to "Odd Ducklings." We’re excited to share these stories with you and create a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll feature our first guest and dive into their inspiring journey.


    Odd Ducklings - Working with our odd brains and achieving our career and life goals

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    19 mins