Beauty in the broken pieces – TBI, epilepsy and ADHD with Kate Wallinga

Beauty in the broken pieces – TBI, epilepsy and ADHD with Kate Wallinga

Author: Carolyn Kiel May 1, 2023 Duration: 44:54

Content note: This episode describes instances of medical trauma and mental health crises, and mentions violence and death.

Kate Wallinga is a forensic psychologist and crisis clinician by training, and currently hosts the podcast "Ignorance Was Bliss," which has surpassed 1 million downloads. Kate has ADHD, epilepsy, and a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after having a near-death experience in childbirth and a grand mal seizure.    

During this episode, you will hear Kate talk about:

  • The origin story of the "Ignorance Was Bliss" podcast (and its tagline, "Didn't you feel better before you knew that?")
  • How her life, neurotype, cognition and family relationships changed after her near-death experience and traumatic brain injury – including her experiences with amnesia and aphasia 
  • Why she describes herself as being broken, and why being broken is ok
  • How her recovery means she has gotten to a new baseline, and doesn't mean going back to the way she was
  • How she learned to give herself grace in her life, after everything she's been through

Listen to Kate's podcast "Ignorance Was Bliss" at IWBPodcast.com or on your favorite podcast player.

Follow Kate on Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon and TikTok.

 

Listener shout-out! A big THANK YOU to Buna, a Beyond 6 Seconds listener, for supporting this podcast on BuyMeACoffee.com

Support this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds and get a shout-out on a future episode!

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Read the episode transcript.

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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