Episodi

  • Business Plans That Don’t Suck, Because We’re Allergic to Boring - S01E20

    Business Plans That Don’t Suck, Because We’re Allergic to Boring - S01E20
    Jan 21 2026

    Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com

    Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.

    Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!

    ------------------------------------- TIMELINE

    00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to the Show 00:00:20 - Topic of the Week: Business Plans That Don't Suck (Because We're Allergic to Boring) 00:01:50 - Why do boring business plans die immediately 00:03:27 - Detail is not complexity, it's clarity 00:07:00 - What does variable energy do when managing your business plan roll-out? 00:10:48 - Tangent - Spork is the hell-spoon 00:12:25 - Why putting your to-do list in your diary helps manage your energy more efficiently 00:15:07 - Special interests, energy management, and why we're like a mobile phone 00:17:20 - Why does your business exist, does this align with life goals and energy output? 00:21:30 - How do you plan when you have 47 ideas in front of you? 00:26:18 - How do you build a boredom proof business plan? 00:28:03 - How to beat business planning boredom and the game of business. 00:32:55 - Beware your brain making inefficient business decisions for dopamine rewards 00:34:50 - The problem that most trades suffer from... 00:36:20 - Can you build a business that's burnout proof? 00:40:50 - The thought that changed business planning for Stuart 00:42:47 - Putting your own oxygen mask on first is non-negotiable 00:43:58 - Business models that remain flexible & acknowledge fluctuating energy 00:47:35 - Final nuggets and ideas to takeaway 00:48:05 - Don't be afraid to pivoy, guard your energy, plan for bad days 00:51:39 - Are you struggling with your business? 00:53:50 - ND's are not quitters... and why that's a problem 00:56:07 - Share your experiences, hints or tips that work for you, round up and goodbye 00:58:56 - LENGTH

    -------------------------------------

    RESOURCES

    https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention. Information regarding Alexythimia and other helpful autism and autistic related factsheets on the link.

    https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.

    https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests - if this topic responates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile.

    https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.

    -------------------------------------

    OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources

    hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us

    OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    59 min
  • Thriving Without a 5-Year Plan: Short-Term Wins, Long-Term Awesome - Business Oddcast S01E19

    Thriving Without a 5-Year Plan: Short-Term Wins, Long-Term Awesome - Business Oddcast S01E19
    Jan 14 2026

    Five-year plans sound great in theory… but what if your brain simply refuses to cooperate?

    In this episode of The Business Oddcast, we explore what planning actually looks like for neurodivergent business owners. From variable energy levels and dopamine-driven decision making to PDA, perfectionism, and the pressure to “stick to the plan,” they unpack why rigid long-term planning can be more harmful than helpful.

    We talk honestly about energy budgets, 90-day sprints, pivoting without shame, squirrel moments, hyperfocus, and why rest is preparation, not a reward. Expect practical insights, lived experience, a healthy dismantling of hustle culture, and reassurance that you’re not failing just because your business doesn’t fit a neurotypical template.

    If traditional planning makes you feel boxed in, burnt out, or broken — this one’s for you.

    Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com

    Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.

    Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!

    ------------------------------------- TIMELINE

    00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to the Show 00:01:50 - Topic of the Week Thriving Without a 5-Year Plan 00:02:45 - Defining what the plan needs 00:03:50 - Hannah's plan or lack thereof inc. life 00:06:50 - The key question Hannah asks on her birthday, every year 00:07:35 - Business plans are how the C-suite measure their success 00:08:25 - Battle plans never survive contact with the enemy, so now what? 00:10:10 - What's the key to success without a 5yr plan? 00:11:14 - The tyranny of a self imposed long-term plan 00:14:32 - How do you create certainty, when inner frameworks are shaky? 00:15:30 - A more flexible approach is kinder and acknowledges your reality 00:16:39 - Seizing opportunities - Announcing our new roles with Shine Radio 00:18:30 - Is having a purpose is better than a plan, or wing it and see? 00:21:30 - All the knowledge and planning won't beat adapting to local conditions 00:22:57 - When staying alive is a 5 year plan, and how to cope with ALL THE IDEAS! 00:26:50 - How do you remain consitent in business, with fluctuating energy levels? 00:28:15 - Shout out if you don't finish things... sidequests are cool for learning 00:30:45 - The power of the ninety day sprint with an open brief and creativity. 00:34:01 - How to plan ahead - top tips and takeaways 00:36:45 - Small chunks, bite sized pieces, write down your 90 day goal... 00:38:12 - Short sprints let you keep momentum, keeping the joy & not burning out 00:40:35 - The more days in the month than the money left in your account feeling 00:41:40 - Small bite sized chunks, small bite sized goals ease the pressure 00:42:50 - Some tips on how to manage day-to-day 00:44:56 - KNOWING these good ideas and DOING them are worlds apart! 00:46:05 - Add novelty, celebrate wins, choose your hours wisely 00:47:46 - The key to being self-employed - be yourself 00:50:27 - Final tip - too many tasks on your 'to do' list will break you 00:52:28 - Summary and a final thoughts - prioritise your own needs 00:57:17 - Next Week: Business plans that don't suck... 00:58:13 - LENGTH

    ------------------------------------- RESOURCES

    https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond!

    https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.

    https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests - if this topic responates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile.

    https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.

    -------------------------------------

    OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources

    hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us

    OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    58 min
  • Miracle Morning, Neurospicy Edition: Spoiler - There's No 5am Yoga - Business Oddcast S01E18

    Miracle Morning, Neurospicy Edition: Spoiler - There's No 5am Yoga - Business Oddcast S01E18
    Jan 7 2026
    Morning routines are meant to set you up for success… so why do they feel so impossible when you’re neurodivergent? In this episode of the Business Oddcast, we tear apart the idea of the “perfect morning” and rebuild it in a way that actually works for neurospicy brains. Inspired (loosely) by The Miracle Morning, this is not a book review — it’s a reality check. From trauma mornings and insomnia hangovers to dopamine hunting, PDA reactions, hyperfocus black holes, and why affirmations can turn into cheese-based chaos, we explore what mornings really look like when you don’t wake up as the same person every day. We talk systems vs willpower, buffer days, energy tracking, anchor habits, prepping the night before, and why kindness beats perfection every single time. If traditional routines make you feel broken, this episode is your permission slip to do mornings your way. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:31 - What we're focusing on this year 00:01:10 - Topic of the Week - The Miracle Morning - Neurospicy Edition 00:02:10 - Overview of the Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod 00:04:12 - Hannah's reaction to "The Miracle Morning" & discussion 00:07:00 - The "Trauma Morning"... energy levels and insomnia 00:08:47 - PDA, bedtime demands and a gong bath distraction 00:10:20 - Morning Alarms, "YAY!"? or "Is this earth?"! 00:13:03 - Are you the same person every morning? 00:14:10 - Miracle Morning Life, S.A.V.E.R.S - ND compatible? 00:14:50 - Visualisations - Differing brains may not be compatible 00:16:00 - Ruminations on affirmations 00:16:48 - Do you need a "pretty" or consistent morning routine to be successful? 00:17:05 - Hannah's routine, starts with positive affirmations, if she remembers 00:20:05 - Dopamine dysregulation vs disciplined routine 00:21:00 - Hannah's, sort of, routine 00:22:05 - Stu's early morning writing routine & hyperfocus 00:23:37 - Let's look at systems and willpower 00:26:10 - Hannah's take on routines 00:28:00 - Permission to find our own routines 00:29:06 - The energy "hangover" morning 00:30:10 - Buffer days... not Diet Coke & Dreams 00:32:24 - The controversial power of saying "no". 00:34:37 - Roundup, reflections, & takeaways 00:35:04 - Energy tracking 00:36:04 - Create a routine that's kind to yourself 00:36:40 - Micro-routines 00:39:10 - Preparation is key 00:43:48 - Affirmations and being kind to our future selves 00:46:42 - Adaptation - have a plan for 'turtle mode' 00:47:35 - Kindness beats perfection 00:49:10 - You do you, with intention! (if you can) 00:49:40 - Like Share Subscribe 00:51:30 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- RESOURCES The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod - Speedreader Summaries https://open.spotify.com/show/7ALKUGTLwONXWrjEx3OAdr https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests - if this topic responates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. EMERGENCY OVERWHELM KIT https://businessoddcast.com/neurodiverse-emergency-overwhelm-kit S01Ep06 Burnout, Overwhelm and Real Recovery Tips https://businessoddcast.com/podcast/s01e06-burnout-overwhelm-real-recovery-tips-for-neurodivergent-minds/ ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    52 min
  • New Year's Resolutions & Goal Setting 2026

    New Year's Resolutions & Goal Setting 2026
    Dec 31 2025

    Welcome to this New Year edition of The Business Oddcast! This week we’re pulling apart the whole “New Year, New You” circus and asking what resolutions actually look like when you’re neurodivergent.

    We talk perfectionism, shame spirals, forgotten vitamin tubs, and why “consistency” is often just a neurotypical fantasy.

    We dig into energy budgets, dopamine-fuelled overcommitting, and the difference between the version of you who signs up for everything… and the version who actually has to do it. We explore minimum viable progress, anti-resolutions (what you’ll stop doing), and why prioritising rest isn’t laziness – it’s survival.

    If traditional goal-setting has ever left you burnt out, bored, or hiding in the car for a nap, this episode is your permission slip to design a year that works with your brain, not against it.

    Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com

    Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.

    Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!

    ------------------------------------- TIMELINE

    00:00:00 - Introduction. 00:00:41 - TOPIC OF THE WEEK - New Year's Resolutions & Goal Setting 2026. 00:01:57 - Why Hannah loves/hates New Year & the tyrrany of resolutions. 00:03:35 - Stuart & positives of sharing your resolutions, and PDA. 00:04:57 - Hannah's response to expecations of New Year's Resolutions. 00:06:25 - Internalised shame based logic and perfectionism. 00:07:00 - Inverting the resolutions, ignoring pessimism and optimism. 00:09:28 - Hannah - crazy tangent. 00:10:11 - The flaw in New Year's resolutions - consistency... 00:11:05 - Resolutions, hustle culture and demand for change! 00:13:00 - Health and wellbeing resolutions, Stu's approach. 00:13:54 - Why "know thyself" should be your goal. 00:14:43 - The dopamine hit of ticking something off a list. 00:15:55 - Exploring how to make resolutions work for NDs. 00:16:24 - TOP TIP - baby steps; what resources do you have, inc. energy? 00:19:50 - Stuart's curmudgeonly persona. 00:20:50 - When you do stuff matters as much as commiting to do it. 00:22:45 - Setting goals with undefined outcomes, may not work for NDs. 00:24:34 - Late diagnosed ND's need a "brain" user manual . 00:26:24 - The shame of the New Year's resolution failure. 00:28:39 - "I didn't fail the plan, the plan wasn't designed for me". 00:31:20 - "If you want it, just ask the universe", oh perleeze... 00:32:51 - TANGENT- Total immersion and creating fictional realities. 00:34:24 - Suckling on the teat of dopamine... 00:35:01 - The solution? A resolution revolution Flip the script! 00:36:01 - The ONLY resolution the neurodiverse need to make. 00:39:20 - MVP - Minimum Viable Progress... our podcast goals. 00:42:10 - We're not promising a Ted Talk - and the one goal YOU Need... 00:42:50 - Summary and round up 00:43:33 - Hannah's final thought... 00:45:56 - Hannah's final final thought... 00:46:30 - LENGTH

    -------------------------------------

    RESOURCES

    https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention. Information regarding Alexythimia and other helpful autism and autistic related factsheets on the link.

    https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.

    https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests - if this topic responates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile.

    https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.

    -------------------------------------

    OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources

    hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us

    OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    47 min
  • The 12 Neurodiverse Traits of Christmas Special 2025 - Business Oddcast S01E16

    The 12 Neurodiverse Traits of Christmas Special 2025 - Business Oddcast S01E16
    Dec 24 2025
    In words of social commentator, philosopher and glam rockstar Noddy Holder "IIIiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttttttttttttts CHRISSSSSSSTMASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!" Welcome to Episode 16 of the Business Oddcast! This week is a big seasonal bumper edition and we’re diving headfirst into the sensory overload, social pressure, and chaotic brilliance that is Christmas when you’re neurodivergent. From overwhelm disguised as “festive spirit” to food droughts, coat-goblin strategies, and the annual terror of Secret Santa, we’re breaking down the 12 traits that make this season feel… a lot. Stuart shares his elite spreadsheet engineering (including kitchen re-wiring for roast logistics), tactical party-napping, and why he’s entering his “Christmas turtle” era. Hannah confesses her hard limits around catch-ups, communal peanuts, and being manhandled onto a dancefloor by Anne from Accounts (justice for Hannah). Together, we explore routines dissolving into chaos, pressure to “see everyone,” gifting spirals, and why boundaries matter more than ever in December. Expect honesty, hilarity, and a whole sleigh-load of neurodiverse coping strategies. If the holidays leave your brain crying in a corner wearing noise-cancelling headphones, this one’s for you. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Introduction. 00:00:35 - Hannah's Christmas jumper reveal 00:02:45 - End of the episode tease... 00:03:43 - TOPIC OF THE WEEK - The 12 Neurodiverse Traits of Christmas 00:04:53 - FIRST Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - The Annual Review 00:06:58 - Top Tip - New Year's resolution; "aim low" 00:09:01 - Bad habits & nostaligic inflation 00:12:12 - Stuart's big crisp confession - SNIPPET 00:15:47 - SECOND Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - Small Talk 00:17:34 - Oh, hang on... I've got a picture on my phone... 00:18:24 - Top Tip - Revolutionise party small talk, GUARANTEED Results 00:20:00 - The small talk high-wire juggling act now with added pop quiz 00:21:48 - THIRD Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - MAX Sensory Assault 00:24:02 - Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttts CHRISTMASSSSSSS!!!! 00:25:11 - Party Season: full of over-processed food and bad decisions 00:26:04 - Spending time in the shed and other avoidant behaviours 00:28:08 - FOURTH Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - The Xmas Spreadsheet 00:32:30 - Shout out to my daughter and her octopus arms 00:33:20 - How to wreck your relationship with Stu at Xmas 00:34:01 - Late diagnosed, but always known... 00:34:21 - FIFTH Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - The Work Party 00:36:12 - Hannah, come and dance... SLAP! 00:36:58 - TOP TIP - permission to haunt the exit like a Victorian ghost 00:38:08 - THe terror of the "Secret Santa"! 00:38:45 - SIXTH Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - Present Demand Avoidance 00:41:20 - Stu's Mum's rage inducing ball of string 00:42:38 - Let me help you open the present... 00:43:26 - SEVENTH Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - Let's meet up... NO! 00:45:09 - TOP TIP - How to avoid socially obligated meet ups... 00:46:14 - and... the other side of the coin... wait, what? 00:47:25 - BONUS TIP - Local event = target rich environment 00:47:48 - Stu's life goal - be rich enough to hire a body double 00:49:10 - EIGHT Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - The Christmas Turtle 00:51:10 - The no decision day... 00:51:26 - TOP TIP - The Party "Holiday" 00:52:56 - TOP TIP TWO - The Zero Day 00:54:58 - NINETH Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - The Routine Shuffler 00:56:32 - and yet feels like "One long, hideous festive groundhog day" 00:56:49 - TOP TIP - Divide the day into these three sections... 00:57:25 - Fancy a drink? Erm... It's 8am... 00:59:56 - TENTH Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - The Food Drought 01:01:06 - Stu's Rant about Ready Salted Crisps 01:03:45 - Question: Stu... Communal grazing? 01:04:57 - Stu's story, it's nuts... 01:06:50 - ELEVENTH Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - Buying Pressure 01:09:43 - TOP TIP - The beauty of the "regifting box" 01:12:57 - Hannah's friends brutal gift giving session 01:15:00 - Reuse, recycle, regift, revisit the Charity Shop... 01:16:35 - Gift exhaustion - when you got everything you want... 01:17:14 - TWELFTH Neurodiverse Trait of Christmas - Gormless Guests 01:18:35 - STOBBIT WITH THE FOOD QUESTIONS!!! 01:19:43 - Wrapping up the episode... 01:20:25 - A tease of what's to come in 2026... Our new studio Logo 01:22:08 - Next Weeks Topic - Neurodiverse New Year's Resolutions and Goal Setting. 01:23:00 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- RESOURCES https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. ...
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    1 ora e 23 min
  • Reunions: Life’s Unwelcome Performance Review - Business Oddcast S01E15

    Reunions: Life’s Unwelcome Performance Review - Business Oddcast S01E15
    Dec 17 2025

    Welcome to Episode 15 of The Business Oddcast! This week we dive into reunions — the good, the bad, and the painfully awkward.

    We unpack why reunions can feel like an unwelcome, unpaid performance reviews for your life: “Are you married? Happy? Winning?”. We talk intentional vs. accidental reunions, school-specific trauma, bullying, masking, sensory overwhelm, and the aftershock of rumination. Stuart shares the story of finally facing a school reunion (and levelling up his armour), while Hannah admits she’s heroically dodged every official invite, but has had a few healing run-ins in supermarket aisles.

    Expect tangents (obviously), tips on pacing, boundaries, alcohol (or not), and planning a recovery day. Also featuring: the “staircase wit” problem, Facebook unfriending weirdness, tequila-Stu lore, and a teaser for our Christmas special. Come for the catharsis, stay for the honesty (and the chaos).

    Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com

    Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.

    Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!

    -------------------------------------

    TIMELINE

    00:00:00 - Introduction. 00:00:40 - Hannah's update 00:02:51 - TOPIC OF THE WEEK - Reunions - unwelcome performance reviews of your life 00:03:48 - Outlining the topic of reunions 00:04:50 - Diving into the topic, full immersion, GO! 00:05:10 - Looking at the comparison Olympics... 00:08:55 - Stu's two types of reunions... 00:09:40 - Oh, and the F*ckin' school reunion 00:10:30 - Hannah's flashback moment - winning at life 00:12:40 - Let them (small unpaid shout out to Mel Robbins) 00:13:58 - Unpacking the challenging nature of a renuion 00:16:39 - The social expectation & baggage around school reunions 00:19:01 - Stu's memories of his school reunion 00:20:05 - TANGENT ALERT - Stu's redundancy story 00:21:55 - ...and back to Stu's school reunion trauma 00:26:20 - Staircase wit... 00:27:50 - TANGENT ALERT - Hannah's musing on school 00:30:40 - Has social media made reunions redundant or not a "big reveal"? 00:31:40 - The particular set of ND challenges with a reunion 00:35:44 - Including your partner can soften the experience 00:36:23 - Social anxiety, overwhelm abd rumination after the event 00:38:50 - TANGENT ALERT - Facebook unfriending 00:40:24 - Should you go to reunion if you're anxious? 00:41:10 - Your day after the reunion plan 00:42:23 - Rounding up the episode & a top tip! 00:45:40 - Conclusions and catharsis 00:48:29 - Outro and goodbyes 00:46:47 - Next Week: The Christmas Special 00:49:33 - The End

    ------------------------------------- RESOURCES https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.

    https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests - if this topic responates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile.

    https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.

    -------------------------------------

    OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources

    hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us

    OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    50 min
  • Neurodiverse Holidays - Packing, Panic & Pretending to Relax - Business Oddcast S01E14

    Neurodiverse Holidays - Packing, Panic & Pretending to Relax - Business Oddcast S01E14
    Dec 10 2025

    Welcome to Episode 14 of the Business Oddcast! This week we get brutally honest about holidays — the so-called “relaxation myth” and why they can be anything but restful for neurodivergent brains.

    From the social script of “Going anywhere nice?” to packing panic, airport queues, security pat-downs, and the existential crisis of the wrong mustard, we unpack how novelty, noise, and lost routines turn “time off” into full-body admin.

    We talk control, safe exits, sensory landmines, and why some of us need a toolkit, a multi-tool (…and apparently a scalpel) just to stay calm. We share family-trip war stories (Center Parcs wins, enforced fun loses), why solo recharge time matters, and how “doing” holidays tied to special interests beat “being” holidays on a beach.

    Takeaways: plan outs, protect routine anchors, design trips around genuine interests, and remember — rest isn’t a location, it’s a condition you create.

    Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com

    Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.

    Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!

    -------------------------------------

    TIMELINE

    00:00:00 - Introduction. 00:00:43 - Hannah's update 00:02:22 - TOPIC OF THE WEEK - The Neurodiverse Hell of Holidays 00:04:24 - Lets look at what a "Holiday" actually is? 00:06:10 - Looking at our past holiday traumas 00:09:20 - Preparing to go on holiday and the packing conundrum 00:10:19 - What clothes do you pick? 00:11:03 - The stress of the airport, flying, security interrogations & queues 00:13:32 - Stuart's Disney story and airport security breach 00:19:25 - Why you need a scalpel in Disneyland 00:20:02 - How holidays remove your control and affect your regulation 00:22:17 - Hannah's French holiday overwhelm story 00:23:50 - Level of prep and stuff that you need to know 00:25:10 - Coping with the vastly altered routine 00:26:05 - Dealing with your partners differing holiday expections 00:27:06 - Cognitive load and how that shows up on a holiday 00:29:04 - The FAMILY holiday... 00:29:54 - The pressure & stress to fit in and look "normal" 00:31:50 - Stuart's childhood holiday story 00:34:03 - Hannah's family holiday story 00:35:57 - Centre Parcs - Stu'd brief review of family holidays 00:37:47 - Changing routines on holiday 00:39:12 - Stu's meltdown, small issues magnified by being on holiday 00:40:40 - What does holiday look like for Hannah & her family? 00:44:30 - A week in hospital 00:45:48 - Diffeing needs for Stu and his wife on holiday 00:47:10 - The hell of "relaxing" and "doing nothing" 00:48:40 - Stu's recollections of globetrotting 00:50:55 - After the holiday, returning to routine on your return 00:52:15 - Does the problem start when you choose a "standard" holiday? 00:56:18 - Holidays used as a measure of success 00:57:02 - Round up and conclusions... 00:57:44 - Send us your holiday stories 01:01:30 - Next Week's Topic - Reunions

    ------------------------------------- RESOURCES https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.

    https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests - if this topic responates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile.

    https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.

    -------------------------------------

    OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources

    hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us

    OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    1 ora e 3 min
  • Surviving Celebrations: Coping with Seasonal Events, Birthday, Holidays - Business Oddcast S01E13

    Surviving Celebrations: Coping with Seasonal Events, Birthday, Holidays - Business Oddcast S01E13
    Dec 3 2025
    Welcome to Episode 13 where we will dive into surviving celebrations and coping with seasonal events, like birthdays, holidays and social gatherings. We look at the following * Explore why celebrations can be draining, overwhelming, or triggering for neurodiverse folks. * Share the stress and anxiety many feel around birthdays, holidays, and social obligations. * Share practical strategies for setting boundaries, reducing overwhelm, and creating neurodiverse-friendly traditions. The holidays and birthdays are marketed as joyful, magical times—but for many neurodiverse business owners, they can bring pressure, sensory overload, and social exhaustion. We unpack the hidden challenges of celebrations: from the stress of being “on” socially, to gift-giving anxiety, to running a business while the world slows down. We’ll share survival tips, such as: * Sensory overload * Social pressure * Emotional weight * Business pressures * Birthdays in particular * The expectation of gift-giving (choosing, affording, receiving). * Family traditions that don’t fit neurodiverse needs * The very real shame spiral: “Why can’t I enjoy this like everyone else?” We offer our own thoughts, experiences and coping strategies & survival tools, tips and tactics. Such as; Setting boundaries: saying no to events, limiting time spent, creating exit plans. * Redefining celebrations: smaller gatherings, asynchronous connection, solo rituals. * Sensory adjustments: quiet corners, headphones, downtime. * Giving yourself permission for a slower pace. Remember celebrations don’t have to look “traditional.” (whatever that means these days) and it’s okay to make holidays functional and informal instead of joining in with the compulsory social scene. We want you to leave feeling validated, prepared, and with permission to celebrate any event in your own way. Share with anyone you think this will resonate with and we can build a healthier, happier way to work! Don't forget to like, share and subscribe and send any questions or suggestions to: hosts@businessoddcast.com Or follow along on the socials see low timeline for details. ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Introduction. 00:00:58 - Topic of the Week - Surviving Celebrations: Coping with Seasonal Celebrations, Birthday, Holidays & Social Pressure 00:01:25 - Hannah's mince pies before guys ramble 00:04:30 - Exploring the topic of the week, celebrations, birthdays arghhh.... 00:05:12 - Hannah's awful 50th birthday confession! 00:06:30 - Why birthdays are a challenge & Stu's birthday trauma 00:09:17 - The contradiction of the ND birthday requirements 00:11:00 - Stuart's confession about birthday cards 00:13:19 - Hannah's £1.53 birthday card story 00:14:40 - Contradictions planning an ND birthday 00:16:35 - What's worse than a birthday party? 00:17:50 - Hannah's fancy dress story 00:18:40 - Stuart's costume confession 00:19:10 - Gift receiving "trauma" 00:19:55 - The inability to lie, the pain of social lies 00:21:52 - Being a nightmare to buy a present for 00:24:35 - Is gift giving performative virtue signalling? 00:25:31 - Christmas - the worst gift giving/receiving experience 00:27:58 - Why would you buy a child and electronic drum kit? 00:30:00 - The challenges of clothing gifts 00:31:46 - The hidden challenge of clothes shopping 00:33:04 - Stuart's PSA - "Don't buy me a present" 00:34:30 - The contradiction and the efficient beauty of a gift list 00:35:45 - Suprising birthday surprises are not a welcome surprise 00:38:37 - The utter horror of "THIS IS YOUR LIFE" TV Show 00:40:50 - The pink tam'o'shanter and homemade presents 00:42:37 - Getting the chat back on track - the trauma of your birthday 00:44:58 - Coping strategies - how do you cope with this? 00:47:40 - Hannah's tips and coping strategies 00:49:40 - Holidays - the dysregulating nightmare of going away 00:54:35 - Rounding up, takeaways and resources 00:55:53 - Hannah's final comments 00:56:33 - Round up and close, like share and subscribe. ------------------------------------- RESOURCES https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests - if this topic responates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    58 min