In this powerful episode of The Endurant Show, host Neal Tricarico sits down with award-winning psychiatrist Dr. Mayank Gupta to dive deep into the complex, and often misunderstood, world of high-functioning autism in teenagers.
Together, they explore the emotional toll of masking autistic traits, the challenges behind accurate autism diagnosis, and the silent struggles faced by neurodivergent adolescents. This candid conversation highlights the importance of compassion, awareness, and the shift away from rigid labels toward genuine understanding.
Whether you're a parent, educator, mental health professional, or someone navigating your own neurodivergent journey, this episode offers valuable insights, heartfelt stories, and a message of hope and acceptance.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts, and share if this episode resonates with you or someone you love.
Watch the Show: www.youtube.com/@EndurantMovement
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Connect Our Guest Dr. Mayank Gupta!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayank-gupta-77ba496b/
Connect with Our Hosts & The Endurant Movement
Follow Samara on Instagram: @Samarat: https://www.instagram.com/samarat/
Tremendous gratitude to the entire team at motionfarm.io for their exceptional audio and video editing, generously provided pro bono. José Rodriguez and team, quite simply, without your willingness to answer the call to something greater, there would be no Endurant Show and no Teen Voices.
Thank you to our Production Company Partner Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) led by Executive Producer; Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer; Rachel Stern
00:00 Introduction to Hyper Perfectionist Societies
00:46 The Endurance Show: A Testament to Post-Traumatic Growth
02:50 Understanding Autism and Masking
03:58 Interview with Dr. Mayana Gupta
05:06 Defining Autism and Neurodiversity
07:46 Challenges of High Functioning Autism
19:31 Parental Awareness and Monitoring
23:17 The Impact of Labels and Terminology
31:28 Embracing Neurodiversity
31:51 Parental Guidance and Support
32:36 Challenges and Misconceptions
34:16 Therapeutic Approaches
35:38 Understanding Co-occurring Conditions
36:26 The Importance of Context
37:15 Nuanced Treatments
39:15 Raising Awareness
42:41 The Role of Community
44:12 Hope and Responsibility
49:36 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
In this thought-provoking episode of The Endurant Show, hosts Neal and Samara Tricarico sit down with Dr. Judith Joseph, a double board-certified psychiatrist and leading voice in mental health and emotional resilience. Together, they explore the powerful insights from Dr. Judith’s book, High Functioning, and what it truly means to live with high-functioning mental health conditions.
Dr. Judith sheds light on the invisible struggles faced by individuals—especially teens—who may appear to be functioning well, but are silently battling anxiety, depression, or the added complexities of autism spectrum disorder.
Whether you're a parent, educator, clinician, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this episode offers practical advice, compassionate insight, and cutting-edge research to help reshape the way we understand mental wellness—especially within diverse and neurodivergent communities.
The conversation dives into comorbid conditions, neurodivergent experiences, and the critical importance of validation, connection, and tailored support.
Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube and wherever you find your podcasts for more inspiring conversations on validation, mental health, and tailored support.
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Watch the Show: youtube.com/@EndurantMovement
Tremendous gratitude to the entire team at motionfarm.io for their exceptional audio and video editing, generously provided pro bono. José Rodriguez and team, quite simply, without your willingness to answer the call to something greater, there would be no Endurant Show and no Teen Voices.
Thank you to our Production Company Partner Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) led by Executive Producer; Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer; Rachel Stern
Time Stamps
00:00 - Introduction & Anthony’s Story
01:32 - The Endurance Show: Purpose & Mission
02:35 - Dr. Judith’s Background & Credentials
03:20 - High-Functioning Depression Explained
05:15 - Signs Beneath the Surface: What Are We Missing?
07:34 - Understanding Anhedonia & Lack of Joy
10:15 - Achievement vs. Fulfillment in Teens
13:05 - The Power of Peer Support & Open Conversations
16:00 - Language, Labels, and Neurodiversity
19:00 - The Five Vs Framework for Reclaiming Joy
23:00 - Addressing Burnout, Sleep, and Technology
27:00 - Supporting Girls & Underrepresented Groups in Diagnosis
30:00 - Dr. Judith’s Research, Resources, and Final Thoughts
In this powerful finale to the 4-part premiere of The Endurant Show, host DavidJi sits down with Neal and Samara Tricarico for a deeply heartfelt conversation about turning unimaginable pain into a powerful purpose.
After losing their son Anthony to suicide, Neal and Samara transformed their experience of post-traumatic stress into post-traumatic growth, launching a The Endurant Movement, dedicated to mental health advocacy, autism awareness, and suicide prevention.
This episode dives into their unique paths to healing, the enduring presence of Anthony’s spirit in guiding their mission, and the vital role of youth involvement in promoting mental wellness. Through honest storytelling and spiritual insight, they show that even the most devastating loss can spark connection, community, and meaningful change.
This conversation is more than a story of grief - it's a testament to resilience, emotional healing, and the power of shared experiences to create impact and hope.
Don’t forget to subscribe on Youtube and wherever you find your podcasts for more inspiring conversations on grief, mental health, and emotional resilience.
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Tremendous gratitude to the entire team at motionfarm.io for their exceptional audio and video editing, generously provided pro bono. José Rodriguez and team, quite simply, without your willingness to answer the call to something greater, there would be no Endurant Show and no Teen Voices.
Thank you to our Production Company Partner Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) led by Executive Producer; Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer; Rachel Stern
Connect Our Interviewer Guest DavidJi!
Follow the Host on Instagram: @DavidJI https://www.instagram.com/davidjimeditation/
Links: https://linktr.ee/davidjimeditation
Connect with Our Hosts (The Interviewees!) & The Endurant Movement
https://www.endurantmovement.org
Follow the Movement + Show on Instagram: @EndurantMovement: https://www.instagram.com/endurantmovement/
Follow Neal on Instagram: @NealTricarico: https://www.instagram.com/nealtricarico/
Follow Samara on Instagram: @Samarat: https://www.instagram.com/samarat/
00:00 The Energy of Possibility
00:16 Understanding Grief and Healing
02:12 Introduction to the Endurant Movement
03:47 The Origin Story of Anthony Ko
04:55 The Vision and Mission of the Endurant Movement
06:58 The Role of Masculine and Feminine Energy
08:14 The Birth of the Endurant Movement
14:43 Empowering Teens and Youth
24:29 The Journey of Post-Traumatic Growth
28:18 Healing and Growth Through Shared Experiences
29:08 Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth
29:51 The Search for 'Why' and Finding Meaning
34:56 Family Dynamics and the Endurant Movement
36:22 Empowerment and Multidimensional Healing
41:10 Resources and Support for Healing
43:39 The Power of Vulnerability and Community
48:33 Final Reflections and Continuing the Journey
In Part 3 of this powerful 4-part series to begin The Endurant Show, DavidJi, along with Neal and Samara Tricarico, continue their deeply moving conversation on love, grief, and healing after the tragic loss of their son, Anthony.
This episode explores the emotional complexity of grief, where agonizing pain and profound joy can coexist. Neal and Samara open up about their ongoing spiritual connection with Anthony, and how that connection continues to guide their healing journey. Their story reveals how open-hearted acceptance can transform unbearable loss into a purpose-driven movement rooted in compassion, connection, and hope.
Join us as we dive into themes of grief, spiritual awakening, and finding peace in the paradox—and discover how Neal and Samara are turning tragedy into a source of strength, healing, and community through the Endurant Movement.
Don’t forget to subscribe on Youtube and wherever you find your podcasts for more inspiring conversations on grief, mental health, and emotional resilience.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, you are not alone. In the U.S., text or dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Watch the Show: https://www.youtube.com/@EndurantMovement
Tremendous gratitude to the entire team at motionfarm.io for their exceptional audio and video editing, generously provided pro bono. José Rodriguez and team, quite simply, without your willingness to answer the call to something greater, there would be no Endurant Show and no Teen Voices.
Thank you to our Production Company Partner Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) led by Executive Producer; Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer; Rachel Stern
Connect Our Interviewer Guest DavidJi!
Follow the Host on Instagram: @DavidJI https://www.instagram.com/davidjimeditation/
Links: https://linktr.ee/davidjimeditation
Connect with Our Hosts (The Interviewees!) & The Endurant Movement
00:00 Introduction to Duality and Coincidences
01:15 The Story of Anthony's Legacy
02:51 Navigating Grief and Finding Peace
05:14 A Journey of Healing in Nature
09:16 Spiritual Connections and Signs
13:24 Embracing the New Normal
18:01 Profound Spiritual Experiences
24:27 Numerology and Spiritual Guidance
29:06 The Owl's Message
29:57 A Peaceful Encounter with an Owl
30:20 Community Connections and Signs
34:52 Navigating Grief and Marriage
39:56 Transforming Pain into Purpose
46:37 The Power of Forgiveness
52:18 Alchemy of Grief and Love
01:00:58 The Endurant Movement's Impact
01:02:44 Conclusion and Call to Action
In this deeply vulnerable and heartfelt episode of The Endurant Show - Part 2 of a 4 Part series to begin this show, Neal and Samara open up about the unimaginable loss of their beloved son, Anthony, to suicide. Over the course of nine painful weeks with Anthony in the hospital, they had to make the hardest choice a parent can make – to let their son go and relieve him of his suffering. Navigating the heartbreaking complexity of his condition while receiving an outpouring of love and support from a compassionate community.
Together, they candidly share their grief journey, the emotional toll of losing a child to suicide, and how they leaned on various support systems - from hospital staff and close friends, to spiritual practices and psychic mediums. These experiences ultimately inspired the creation of the Endurant Movement, a powerful initiative focused on suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and helping others heal through connection and community.
This episode is a testament to the power of vulnerability, the importance of being present with those in pain, and the courage it takes to turn loss into a mission of hope and healing.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you're not alone. There is help, and there is hope.
Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube youtube.com/@EndurantMovement and wherever you find your podcasts for more inspiring conversations on grief, mental health, and emotional resilience.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, you are not alone. In the U.S., text or dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Tremendous gratitude to the entire team at motionfarm.io for their exceptional audio and video editing, generously provided pro bono. José Rodriguez and team, quite simply, without your willingness to answer the call to something greater, there would be no Endurant Show and no Teen Voices.
Thank you to our Production Company Partner Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) led by Executive Producer; Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer; Rachel Stern.
Connect Our Interviewer Guest DavidJi!
Follow the Host on Instagram: @DavidJI https://www.instagram.com/davidjimeditation/
Links: https://linktr.ee/davidjimeditation
Connect with Our Hosts (The Interviewees!) & The Endurant Movement
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to the Journey
00:57 A Tribute to Anthony
01:23 The Last Moments with Anthony
03:52 Survival Mode and Hospital Stay
06:22 The Power of Meditation and Spiritual Practice
16:59 Community Support and Prayer Circles
23:12 Navigating Grief and Spiritual Insights
46:51 Anthony's Mission and Legacy
51:51 The Power of Forgiveness
53:21 Accepting Anthony's Soul Journey
57:04 The Difficult Decision
01:02:36 Final Moments and Letting Go
01:07:17 A Community's Love and Support
01:08:46 The Vigil and Celebration of Life
01:20:57 The Birth of a Movement
01:39:02 Messages of Hope and Healing
01:42:40 Conclusion and Call to Action
In this profoundly moving episode of The Endurant Show - Part 1 of a 4 Part series to begin this show, we honor the life of Anthony, a remarkable young man with high-functioning autism who tragically passed away by suicide just shy of his 17th birthday. Through the tender reflections of his parents, Neal and Samara, we explore the extraordinary story of a teen whose relentless discipline, humor, and compassion were as defining as the silent struggles he carried.
This conversation goes beyond memory. It is an invitation to understand the intersection of autism and mental health, to recognize the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent teens, and to sit with the complexities of resilience, loss, and love.
Neal and Samara also share how they are transforming their grief into purpose, carrying forward Anthony’s legacy by advocating for awareness, understanding, and resources so that other families never feel alone on this journey.
Whether you are a parent, educator, mental health advocate, or someone touched by autism, this space is for you. May Anthony’s story inspire compassion, awareness, and a culture of hope.
Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube youtube.com/@EndurantMovement and wherever you find your podcasts for more inspiring conversations on grief, mental health, and emotional resilience.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, you are not alone. In the U.S., text or dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Tremendous gratitude to the entire team at motionfarm.io (https://www.motionfarm.io/) for their exceptional audio and video editing, generously provided pro bono. José Rodriguez and team, quite simply, without your willingness to answer the call to something greater, there would be no Endurant Show and no Teen Voices.
Thank you to our Production Company Partner Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) led by Executive Producer; Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer; Rachel Stern
Connect Our Interviewer Guest DavidJi!
Follow the Host on Instagram: @DavidJI https://www.instagram.com/davidjimeditation/
Links: https://linktr.ee/davidjimeditation
Connect with Our Hosts (The Interviewees!) & The Endurant Movement
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Anthony's Story
01:07 The Challenge of High-Functioning Autism
01:32 A Testament to Post-Traumatic Growth
02:29 The Endurance Show Launch
04:07 Exploring Anthony's Journey
06:23 Anthony's Devotion and Achievements
15:39 The Cost of High Achievement
22:55 The Mental Health Journey
25:29 A Parent's Perspective on Recovery
27:09 Anthony's Kind and Generous Spirit
29:25 Living Life to the Fullest
31:40 The Day of the Incident
32:00 Leading Up to the Weekend
33:49 A Weekend Away
36:27 Anthony's Struggles
40:02 The Unthinkable Happens
44:38 The Aftermath
Welcome to The Endurant Show — where pain becomes purpose, grief transforms into growth, and every story inspires healing. Born from the life and loss of Anthony (“Ant”), this movement exists to break the silence around grief, trauma, neurodivergence, and mental health.
Through real, unfiltered conversations, we explore post-traumatic growth, emotional healing, and the full spectrum of the human experience — honoring both heartbreak and hope. This is a space for parents, teens, neurodivergent voices, caregivers, and anyone ready to transform pain into purpose.
This season features powerful voices including:
And more, with your support. Visit: endurantmovement.org/donate
This show is Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer, and Rachel Stern as Associate Producer. Learn more about Rainbow Creative at rainbowcreative.co
