Inside the Pickle Jar: Connecting with the Spectrum
Tonya Weaver
61 episodes
2 days ago
In this episode, Tonya Weaver-Davis discusses the troubling political landscape in the United States, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. She highlights the impact of economic downturns, corporate culture, and recent policy changes that threaten the rights and accommodations for neurodivergent employees. The conversation also delves into the prevalence of bullying and discrimination in the workplace, the psychological motivations behind such behaviors,...
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In this episode, Tonya Weaver-Davis discusses the troubling political landscape in the United States, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. She highlights the impact of economic downturns, corporate culture, and recent policy changes that threaten the rights and accommodations for neurodivergent employees. The conversation also delves into the prevalence of bullying and discrimination in the workplace, the psychological motivations behind such behaviors,...
In this episode, Tonya Weaver-Davis discusses the troubling political landscape in the United States, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. She highlights the impact of economic downturns, corporate culture, and recent policy changes that threaten the rights and accommodations for neurodivergent employees. The conversation also delves into the prevalence of bullying and discrimination in the workplace, the psychological motivations behind such behaviors,...
In this conversation, Tonya Weaver-Davis discusses the controversy surrounding ultra runner Camille Herron and her advocacy for disability accommodations for herself during the 24-Hour World Championships. Tonya critiques Camille's actions, emphasizing the importance of supporting not just yourself but the neurodivergent community as a whole and the need for athletes and people to advocate for one another. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Tonya highlights the challenges faced by neuro...
Hello Pickle Pals! In this episode, Tonya Weaver explores the critical components of emotional intelligence, particularly focusing on self-awareness and its significance in inclusive leadership. She emphasizes the importance of listening, curiosity, and empathy in fostering a psychologically safe environment. The conversation delves into practical strategies for enhancing self-awareness and mindful listening, ultimately guiding leaders to engage more effectively with their teams and create a ...
In this episode, Tonya Weaver-Davis delves into the intersection of neurodivergent leadership and emotional intelligence. She discusses the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent leaders, particularly in navigating conflict and emotional responses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment, managing defensive reactions, and the power of labeling emotions to enhance emotional regulation. Tonya also highlights the significance of self-awareness...
In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar, Tonya Weaver explores the critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workforce, particularly in leadership and team dynamics. She emphasizes that EQ is not a soft skill but a vital component for effective communication, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Tonya discusses the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the unique perspectives of neurodivergent individuals in understanding and applying e...
Hey pickle pals! Tonya here with the finale of our neurodiversity hiring series, and this one's packed with actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Over the past month, we've explored why neurodivergent talent is crucial for innovation, the unconscious biases blocking these brilliant minds, and the psychological safety needed for them to thrive. Now, I'm bringing it all together with concrete steps to transform your workplace. Whether you're a neurodivergent professional looking ...
Hey pickle pals! I'm about to reveal the invisible force field keeping brilliant neurodivergent minds out of your workplace. Have you ever wondered why companies keep hiring the same types of thinkers despite claiming to value "innovation" and "outside-the-box thinking"? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the psychological shortcuts that sabotage genuine neurodiversity efforts. 🎧 Tune in now to decode these biases and prepare for next week's episode, where I'll share actionable ...
Hey pickle pals! Tonya here, continuing our deep dive into why neurodivergent talent is essential for workplace innovation. In this second episode of our series, I'm tackling the unconscious biases that prevent neurodivergent professionals (like myself and maybe you!) from getting hired - despite our proven advantages in problem-solving and innovation. Drawing from the brilliant work of Dr. Ludmila Praslova and Dr. Maureen Dunn, I break down: The specific psychological heuristics blocking neu...
Hey pickle pals! Tonya here, kicking off an eye-opening four-part series that might just change how you see neurodivergent talent in the workplace. For years we have been overlooked or unwanted but in this series I am unpacking why that is. AND why that shouldn’t be the case. I share both research and real-world examples (including a fascinating historical case study) that demonstrate why neurodivergent thinking isn't just "different,” it's often precisely what's needed to solve today's...
In episode 52 of Inside the Pickle Jar, we mark podcast's one-year anniversary! This is part two of a discussion on Neurodignity and self-regulation. Topics include ADHD, emotional regulation, and various self-regulation strategies such as sensory recalibration and daily maintenance. If you’ve enjoyed any of my episodes oer the past year - I would be so happy if you left a five-star review! It really helps me out. Connect with the panelists: Dr. Ludmila Praslova LinkedIn https://www.linkedin....
I did a panel on self-regulation and it was so valuable I decided to share it with my Inside the Pickle Jar peeps! Please enjoy the first part of the panel, all about self-regulation. In the episode we get into how each of us handles self-regulation, including tips on how you can do it as well! Connect with the panelists: Dr. Ludmila Praslova LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludmila-praslova/ Cathy Rashidian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyrashidian/ Jamie Lee LinkedIn: https:...
Hey pickle pals! Tonya here with a revelation that explains SO much about the neurodivergent experience! In this landmark episode, I explore groundbreaking research connecting high IQ with processing differences - solving the mystery of why so many brilliant minds struggle with seemingly "simple" tasks. You'll discover: Why many high-IQ individuals remain undiagnosed until adulthoodThe science behind the "smart but scattered" paradoxPractical strategies for parents, teachers, and employersHow...
Hey there, pickle pals! Today we're tackling something that makes many neurodivergent professionals break out in a cold sweat: financial conversations. In today's episode, I'm opening up about my own money-talk struggles as a neurodivergent leader and sharing the game-changing strategies that finally helped me thrive in these conversations. You'll discover: Why traditional financial presentations are literally designed to confuse our neurodivergent brains (and how to transform them into somet...
Hey pickle pals! Tonya here with the FINALE of our emotional intelligence series - and it's a juicy one! I got the brilliant Beth Grimm again onto the Pickle Jar universe to tackle the burning question: in a world obsessed with AI, what makes neurodivergent minds irreplaceable? In this conversation, Beth and I explore: Why traditional EQ advice fails neurodivergent brains (and what actually works)The post-COVID shifts that have surprisingly ADVANTAGED many neurodivergent professionalsBeth's a...
Hey picklers! Tonya here, and I'm about to get REAL about something that changed my life as a neurodivergent professional, and I bet it'll change yours too. Ever had that moment where everyone else seems to have gotten some secret social handbook you missed? Yeah, me too. That's why I'm OBSESSED with emotional intelligence, and today we're diving DEEP into the four EQ superpowers that can transform your work life (without forcing you to become someone you're not). In this juicy episode of Ins...
We’re back Inside the Pickle Jar this week, and we’re still swimming around in emotional intelligence (EQ) because it deserves more than just one episode. In this conversation, I’m getting into: 🧠 Where EQ actually comes from (yes, there’s brain science behind it) 😤 Why managing emotional reactions isn’t about “being professional”—it’s about protecting your energy 📉 How high IQ doesn’t mean much if your EQ is tanking your relationships or leadership skills 🔄 And—maybe most importantly—that EQ...
"What's your IQ?" might be a bit passé, but EQ (Emotional Intelligence) is your secret weapon for workplace success—especially when you're neurodivergent. In this episode, Tonya breaks down the often-misunderstood world of emotional intelligence for neurodivergent professionals. You'll discover: Why traditional EQ advice fails neurodivergent brains (and what actually works instead)The five pillars of emotional intelligence translated into neurodivergent-friendly strategiesReal-world scenarios...
What happens after the promotion—when you’re neurodivergent, managing people, and trying to keep your executive function afloat? In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar, I’m back with part two of my conversation with the incredible Cheryl Richoux-Torres—a neurodivergent tech leader and champion for inclusive workplaces. We go deeper into: - The emotional toll of constant social interaction at work - How Cheryl manages executive dysfunction while leading a team - Why AI tools and curiosity ar...
In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar, I sit down with Cheryl Richoux-Torres, a neurodivergent leader, innovator, and fierce advocate for inclusive workplaces. Cheryl opens up about her personal and professional journey: from feeling like a workhorse in the tech world to stepping into her full value through storytelling, confidence, and unapologetically leaning into her neurodivergent brain. We also talk about: How Cheryl used her unique neurodivergent strengths to get promoted in tech lea...
Ever catch yourself bouncing your leg, tapping a pen, or twisting your hair to self-soothe… only to notice someone next to you looking visibly irritated? 👀 Yeah. That might be misokinesia—when someone has a strong (usually negative) reaction to seeing repetitive movements. In this episode of Inside the Pickle Jar, I’m breaking down the clash between stimming (a lifeline for many autistic folks, including me!) and misokinesia (a lesser-known cousin of misophonia). We talk: Why stimming is esse...
Inside the Pickle Jar: Connecting with the Spectrum
In this episode, Tonya Weaver-Davis discusses the troubling political landscape in the United States, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. She highlights the impact of economic downturns, corporate culture, and recent policy changes that threaten the rights and accommodations for neurodivergent employees. The conversation also delves into the prevalence of bullying and discrimination in the workplace, the psychological motivations behind such behaviors,...
