Advertise on podcast: Enter the Green Zone Podcast

What does it take to move from surviving to truly thriving? In this episode, Vicky and her guest explore the lived experience of chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, and the slow, meaningful journey toward safety and balance. Through honest reflection and practical insight, they discuss how survival mode takes hold, why it's so common, and what helps us begin creating the conditions for regulation, connection, and growth. This conversation is a reminder that thriving isn't about pushing harder — it's about feeling safe enough to grow.

In this episode of Enter the Green Zone, Vicki and Peer explore the powerful impact parents' emotional wellbeing has on their children. They share how modeling calm, resilience, and self-awareness helps kids develop emotional awareness, reduce anxiety, and discover their own path to the "green zone." This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that when we choose peace, our children learn to shine.

In this episode, Vicki and Peer share their journey of moving from emotional overwhelm in the "red zone" to finding balance, resilience, and joy in the "green zone." Through honesty, reflection, and practical shifts, they reveal how choosing inner peace transforms not only their own lives, but also their relationships and the well-being of their daughter. This conversation is an uplifting reminder that even in our hardest seasons, there is always a path back to light, ease, and hope.

Ever feel like you're carrying the weight of your child's diagnosis alone? In this powerful first episode, Vicky and Pier pull back the curtain on their earliest days as parents of a neurodivergent child—days filled with fear, stigma, and a sense of isolation (which they refer to as the "Red Zone") that few truly understand. But what if there's a way to move beyond the red zone of overwhelm? What if the very challenges that threaten to break you could actually become the catalyst for hope, connection, and transformation? Join Vicky and Pier as they reveal the surprising mindset shift that changed everything for their family. Discover the moment they stopped hiding and started advocating—not just for their daughter, but for themselves. Wondering how to find your own Green Zone of possibility? You'll hear the small steps that led to big breakthroughs, and the unexpected sources of strength that helped them rewrite their story. Curious how to break the silence, find your community, and turn fear into fierce advocacy? Press play and step into the Green Zone with us—where your family's journey is seen, celebrated, and never walked alone! Listen now and share with a fellow parent—you never know who might need to hear that hope is just around the corner.**

Think you've heard it all about the challenges of raising a neurodiverse child? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, Vicky and Pier go beyond the familiar hurdles—stigma, isolation, misunderstanding, and financial strain—to reveal four more obstacles that don't get nearly enough attention. Tune in as they share the hard truths about the ongoing scramble for specialized services, and why even the most determined parents can feel lost in a maze of red tape and waiting lists. Ever wondered how other families cope with relentless caregiver burnout? Vicky and Pier open up about the small but powerful rituals that help them reclaim their energy—and sanity. But that's not all. If you've ever felt at a loss during your child's most challenging moments, you'll want to hear their practical, compassion-driven strategies for turning meltdowns into moments of connection. And for anyone worried about the impact on siblings, this episode offers fresh ideas for nurturing every member of your family—even when life feels anything but balanced. Curious how to refill your own cup, support all your children, and find hope in the hard days? Don't miss this episode—where real talk meets real solutions, and every parent is reminded: you are not alone.**  

In this inspiring episode, Vicky and Pier open up about the powerful role that parental perception plays in shaping the future of neurodiverse children. They discuss how a parent's beliefs and expectations about what is possible for their child can significantly influence the opportunities and outcomes that unfold. Drawing from their own journey with their daughter Gabbi, Vicky and Pier share candid stories about the challenges and triumphs they have experienced as a neurodiverse family. They reflect on how maintaining a hopeful and open mindset has helped them support Gabbi's growth and resilience, even in the face of uncertainty. Listeners will discover practical tools and strategies that Vicky and Pier use to stay positive and proactive about Gabbi's future. From reframing limiting beliefs to celebrating small victories, they offer heartfelt advice for other parents navigating similar paths. Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation that highlights the transformative power of optimism, advocacy, and unconditional love in the lives of neurodiverse children and their families.

Finding Our Way: A Journey from Diagnosis to Acceptance In this heartfelt episode, Vicky and Pier share their emotional journey upon receiving an autism diagnosis for their daughter, Gabbi. Through their story, we explore the diverse and deeply personal reactions parents experience when faced with such news. This episode highlights how each family's unique path toward acceptance opens the door to supporting their child and moving beyond the confines of denial. Join us as we navigate the highs and lows of embracing a new reality, discovering that acceptance is not just the destination but the key to truly helping your child thrive.

Haley Moss is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. She is a consultant to top corporations and nonprofits that seek her guidance in creating a diverse workplace and a sought-after commentator on disability rights issues.  The first openly autistic lawyer in Florida, Haley's books include "Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals'' (ABA Book Publishing; June 2021) and "The Young Autistic Adult's Independence Handbook" (Jessica Kingsley Publishers; November 2021). Her articles have appeared in outlets including the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, and Fast Company.

Alicia Trautwein is a St. Louis-based motivational speaker, founder of The Mom Kind, autism advocate, and autistic mother of three autistic children. Trautwein speaks on topics close to her heart like LGBTQIA+ rights, antibullying, autism acceptance, and mental health advocacy. Here at Neuroshifts we are huge advocates of self-care. We love to bring on special guests who have first hand experiences in the journey through Neurodiversity and who love to promote the importance of self-care.  Join this special episode of GZT where Alicia will be giving you all the insider secrets to creating a self-care routine that actually works.

Gopika is the Author of Beyond the Blue: Love, Life, and Autism.  In this special session, we will be discussing her book and the importance of a mother's self-care.  Beyond the Blue is a book that will inspire you to be a better person. Within its pages,  Gopika Kapoor describes her unique, yet universally shared experiences as the parent of a child with autism. Through the intimate stories of life with her son Vir, she immerses readers in shining moments and dark episodes, brimming with refreshing honesty, sparkling humor, and undaunted courage. Beyond the Blue is an indispensable guide for parents of children with autism, whether they are starting out on this journey or have been traveling this path for several years. It provides a road map for parents to negotiate the pitfalls and through the narration of her own experiences, a point of reference for what they might be going through. Above all, Beyond the Blue demonstrates the power of the human spirit to accept and overcome a seemingly unsurmountable challenge with positivity and love.

Sam Farmer is a neurodiversity community self-advocate, writer/author, public speaker and consultant for Floreo, a company that leverages virtual reality technology in teaching social, communication and other life skills for neurodiverse individuals. Diagnosed later in life as autistic, he writes blogs and articles, records coaching videos and podcasts, and presents at conferences and support groups, sharing stories and thoughts as to how one can achieve greater happiness and success in the face of challenge and adversity. A Long Walk Down a Winding Road - Small Steps, Challenges, & Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens is his first book. From the unique perspective of someone on the autism spectrum comes a book about working to carve out a better life in the face of challenge and adversity. Interwoven with true stories of personal hardships and triumphs, A Long Walk Down a Winding Road offers ideas and insights aimed at inspiring and empowering the reader to enhance the quality of life. It also exposes what it can feel like to be autistic, as told by somebody who actually walks in these shoes. Don't miss this special session where we will discuss Sam's book and his path through what we call the Green Zone.  Sharing inspiring stories such as these is part of our mission to show our community that no matter what challenge we are presented with, there is always a path to happiness, hope, and empowerment! 

Maija is the founder of Appreciate U.  Creator, uplifter, and world traveler, Maija specializes in bringing confidence to all of those who surround her. A student of self-improvement since the age of 10, Maija has compiled the most effective tricks she's learned over the last 24 years to create lasting and authentic happiness.  With Appreciate U, she is helping people recognize themselves as the powerful masterpiece they are.  In this session, we will be discussing:  The connection about how we treat ourselves and how that can translate to how we treat others.   How self-love and self-respect can directly affect the way others treat you.  The importance of self-love and self-respect. Identify the things that might keep us from loving ourselves and what we can do to change them. 

In this very special session of Green Zone Talks we will be speaking with Arlo and how he has implemented a "Neuro-Ready" work initiative.  He will be discussing his experience in hiring one of Neuroshifts' former students and the beneficial and uplifting results this has contributed to his business.  This inspiring success story of a young man being given an employment opportunity is one you won't want to miss!  Arlo and his State Farm team are taking initiatives to expand the awareness of how beneficial the contributions of a Neurodiverse individual can be to all businesses. This story is a true testament of how everyday individuals can create exponential shifts towards the well-being of the Neurodiverse community!  In addition to his efforts in the inclusivity of Neurodiversity in his workplace, Arlo is also the owner of SwitchOn Coaching.  His team combines cognitive behavioral therapy and science-based nutrition to create a revolutionary transformation process that has reached thousands and is changing lives daily.  SwitchOn Coaching encompasses the overall desire of those who are looking to better their state of well-being. 

In this conversation, we will be exploring some of the challenges to bringing your personal brand to work for the neuro-diverse community, and how you can find the space to OWN your personal brand that allows you to be proud of your unique neuro-type and bring it to work proudly.

AnnaLaura Brown is an Health Coach, Author, and Autism Advocate.  She got her diagnosis of Autism later in life, but it has never stopped her from using her unique talents and interests to achieve her purpose in life.  AnnaLaura has had a special interest as it relates to physical health and diets because of her own journey with experiencing a lot of challenges in this area.  Her mission is now to help others achieve better physical well-being.  Listen as she shares her personal journey through employment, independence and physical well-being.