Hi, I'm Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Everybody does. I'm the CEO who says fuck on the internet a lot. We'll get more into that later...

Our podcast "Different, Not Broken" isn't fucking about. We'll explore the often-overlooked dichotomy between being different and feeling broken. It's my jam to recognize individuality, particularly among those who have been systematically marginalized for their unique traits.

This episode serves as a foundational exploration of this podcast's ethos: to challenge the pervasive narrative that equates neurodiversity and other forms of individuality with dysfunction or inadequacy.

I'm starting as I mean to go on here. I'm owning how mortified I am to be hosting a podcast. I believe we all have this shared human experience of wanting to belong while grappling with the pressure to conform.

Anyway, words. I'll explain more in the episode, so time for you to listen.

Click play. And please do hit the follow button in whichever app you're listening to this on.

Thanks.

Love you, mean it.

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You are different, not broken! And this podcast is for you.

The podcast delves into the profound notion that societal norms often dictate how individuals should perceive themselves and their identities.

The speakers assert that the premise of conformity is fundamentally flawed; they challenge the idea that one's inherent characteristics warrant correction or modification.

Through candid reflections on personal experiences, they explore the concept of embracing one's 'boring' life as a means of healing.

The discussion emphasizes that what might seem unremarkable or mundane can, in fact, serve as a sanctuary for mental wellness. The narrative is anchored in the belief that many individuals have been subjected to the erroneous notion that they must alter their authentic selves to gain acceptance.

This podcast serves as a rallying cry for those who have felt marginalized by such expectations, reinforcing the idea that being 'different' is not synonymous with being 'broken.'

My Brain Short-Circuits for This

I have a confession.

For someone who claims to be a relatively smart, responsible human and someone who can calculate numbers, analyze situations, run a business, and (at least sometimes) do 'The Adult Things', I have one irredeemable weakness.

We’re talking a 'lose the thread of reality, babble in vowel sounds, and forget my own name because, oh my gooood' kind of weakness.

Why am I telling you this? Because in this episode of Different, Not Broken, I pull back the curtain on my not-so-secret life as a highly functional adult who simply cannot function when this one piece of (adorable) Kryptonite is present in my life.

But this episode is more than just confessions of the thing that makes me gooey. It's an honest exploration of what it means to embrace what makes our brains different.

Press play. Your pack is waiting.

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What if everything you think you know about occupational therapy (OT) is… not quite right?

Here’s a confession: until recently, I thought OT was just glorified PT for your arms. Someone stands you up, hands you a toothbrush, checks a box, and off you go back to life, hopefully less miserable.

Turns out, that’s not even close.

In this episode of Different, not Broken, I, Lauren Howard (aka L2), sit down with the very person responsible for blowing up everything I thought I knew: Jayna Niblock. She leads our OT efforts and, frankly, if there’s ever a Hall of Fame for affirming neurodivergent care, her (sensory-friendly, weighted) cape deserves to be on display.

Let’s hit pause on everything you’ve heard about adult autism care. Because what actually happens after an adult diagnosis? Not much, honestly. There’s a chasm—no bridge, barely a ladder—between finally knowing you’re not “broken” and actually figuring out how to live as yourself in a world designed for, well, not you.

Spoiler: the aftercare programs that support adults who’ve lived decades masking, muddling through social scripts, wondering why life feels like pushing a boulder up Mount Neurotypical, do not exist. (Except now, they kind of do, and Jayna’s at the center of it.)

But what is OT for adults, especially for neurodivergent adults? It’s not about workplace “occupations,” and it’s definitely not just “PT from the waist up.” We talk about what “affirming” OT truly means—because trust us, not all therapy is created equal. We break down how “meaningful engagement” is radically more important (and therapeutic) than any checklist. Cookies, margaritas, grandkid snuggles—sometimes the route to healing starts with the things people actually care about, not the ones prescribed by someone who just met you.

Jayna gets real about why so much of the OT world hasn’t caught up to neurodivergent realities, and what an education (not treatment) program can unlock for adults desperate for answers after a lifetime of feeling “othered.” Plus: why most information out there (hello, TikTok) is validating but not always actually, you know, evidence-based.

And then there’s the stuff NO ONE TELLS YOU about sensory processing as an adult. Like why your eyes work in mysterious ways even after every eye doctor swears you’re “fine.” Or why “touch” isn’t just about what fabric you like, and brushing your teeth means something different for everyone.

We also get into the messy, beautiful, lifeline-level importance of consent, motivation, and adapting “therapy” to what matters for real people, not just what looks good on an insurance form. (Hint: if getting up in the morning for yoga is torture, you’re allowed to say no. Here, consent isn’t optional, it’s foundational.)

Maybe you’re wondering: why should YOU listen?

Listen if you were ever told you’re “normal now”—but it sure doesn’t feel like it. Listen if you believe neurodivergent adults deserve more than DIY diagnosis and crowdsourced therapy from social media. Listen if you want to know what care could actually be when it’s crafted for us, by us, with us. Listen if you want to hear two humans occasionally tearing up because, yeah, dignity in healthcare shouldn’t be this rare.

You’ll walk away with a radically new understanding of OT, equipped with ideas, hope, and probably a newfound appreciation for doing things your way—whether that’s baking cookies, mixing a margarita, or advocating for yourself in a doctor’s office full of “experts” who still haven’t figured it out.

No spoilers, but don’t miss Jayna’s answer to “if you could snap your fingers and create the OT system every neurodivergent adult should have…” (We’re not crying, you’re crying.)

Different, not Broken is for everyone who’s spent a lifetime feeling like the system wasn’t built for them—because, newsflash, it wasn’t. And we’re here to change that.

Come for the myth-busting. Stay for the life-changing “aha.” And if someone ever tries to tell you recovery only happens on their terms? Send them our way. We’ll have cookies—and probably a few margaritas—waiting.

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What is “normal,” and why does everyone want it so damn bad?

No, really. When did we start treating “normal” like the holy grail instead of the steaming pile of… well, I’ll let you fill in the blank.

On this episode of Different, Not Broken, I—Lauren Howard, your host, also known as L2—am pulling normal out of its gilded cage, shaking it around, and tossing it straight into the trash where it belongs.

If you’ve ever felt like you missed the memo on how to be “normal”… if you’re tired of feeling broken just because your flavors of weird don’t match up with someone else’s, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.

I’m laying down the law (and maybe some four-letter words) about why chasing normal is a one-way ticket to nowhere—and why different isn’t just okay, it’s inevitable.

We’ll dig into the origin story of “normal” as a concept, how it creeps into our vocabularies starting in childhood, and why it’s a constant refrain for people going through autism and ADHD assessments.

(Plot twist: not fitting the mold isn’t a sign that you’re broken—it’s evidence that the mold is, frankly, garbage.)

But here’s where it gets interesting: even medicine doesn’t actually believe in a single flavor of normal!

And we'll get into that...

If that’s not a reason to click “play,” I don’t know what is.

Love you, mean it. –L2

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00:00 "What is Normal?"

03:09 Redefining 'Normal' in Childhood

06:37 Interpreting Lab Reference Ranges

10:32 "Comfy Sandals and Dog Dilemma"

15:55 "Embrace Your Own Normal"

17:29 Tense Meal and Nonsense Talk

20:27 "Questioning Nike Collection Value"

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People say things like "just be yourself" with the expectation that you’ll just snap your fingers and turn the volume down on generations of pressure to fit in.

But what does that even mean when your existence as 'yourself' stops conversations cold? When walking into every room means holding your breath, trying to shrink for comfort, or shapeshifting for someone else’s peace of mind? When you’re told your needs... your honest-to-goodness, human, biological and psychological needs... are either too much or entirely invisible?

This week, we’re going in. All the way in.

I sat down with Dr Carl Frizell, a phenomenal clinician, with his lived expertise in internal medicine, oncology, mental health and, yes, the absolute truth about thriving as a Black neurodivergent professional.

Carl joined me for a conversation about what it means to fight for belonging, to crave quality over quantity, to be different—and not broken—in every aspect of his life.

Want to talk intersectionality? Carl brings the receipts. Want to explore why so many Black and BIPOC kids are mis-labeled as “difficult” (or worse) instead of autistic? Or what happens when advocacy is weaponized against you?

Want to hear the story of a patient—"The Difficult One"—who was never the problem, but simply demanded her humanity be respected?

We’re covering all of it.

(And, yes, Carl really did become a better clinician because he lived every single word he now tells his patients.)

If you’ve ever questioned whether there’s space for your whole self, especially in systems built for someone else’s definition of acceptable—this is your episode.

Love you. Mean it.

Dr Carl Frizell's links:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/cafrizell_pac/

00:00 Embracing Autism: My Turning Point

03:10 Neurodivergent Advocacy and Speaking Journey

08:01 Seeking Acceptance by Mimicry

12:55 Redefining "Normal" for Health

15:04 Clinical Judgment in Autism Diagnostics

19:20 Patient-Centered Caregiver Approach

23:10 Advocacy in Healthcare Matters

27:00 Supportive Parents Foster Success

29:30 Misdiagnosis Due to Cultural Bias

33:51 Humanizing Lived Experiences Validates Life

34:56 Embracing Whole Identity Acceptance

39:16 Embrace Self-Compassion and Growth

41:17 "Transparent Living on Instagram"

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Have you ever found yourself glancing around a room (or a Zoom meeting, or a group chat, or the chaos of your living room) and wondered, “Who put me in charge—don’t they know I still feel sixteen most days?” Yeah, me too.

In this episode of “Different, Not Broken,” I, Lauren Howard—L2 for the cool kids —am letting you in on the messiest, most liberating secret of adulthood: nobody, and I mean nobody, actually knows what they’re doing.

This isn’t some polished, performative encouragement to “fake it ‘til you make it.” I am talking about pulling back the curtain on why even the experts you look up to are mostly winging it.

I share my real experiences from the trenches—whether that’s running a telehealth company (where people call me for the right answer and I’m hunting for the adult in the room just like you), navigating ultra-complex compliance laws (with the help of attorneys who actually give me more “choose your own adventure” than clear answers), or trying to make sense of parenting a tiny human who bites (and I mean literally bites—this is not a metaphor).

So why should you listen? Because if you’ve ever felt the crushing weight of thinking you’re the only one improvising—newsflash, you aren’t.

I talk through the reality that none of us are actually the “adultier adult” we’re desperately searching for.

So, if you want to hear the truth about life behind the curtain—about what really happens when everyone is supposedly “adulting”—come hang out with me. We’ll laugh, we might cry, but we’ll definitely call B.S. on the myth of the perfectly composed grown-up.

And if you somehow find that mythical actual adult who has it all figured out, send them my way. Until then, I’ll be right here, fumbling forward, and inviting you to do the same.

Love you, mean it.

00:00 Unfiltered Expertise and Telehealth Insight

05:11 Imposter Syndrome Amid Experienced Peers

08:12 Indecision in Legal Consultations

12:40 Embracing Uncertainty and Growth

16:00 "Vacation with Kids: Not Restful"

16:46 "No Obligation to Perform"

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Well done, you've decided to escape MAGA. Here's the learning moment.

It finally happened. Someone said it out loud. Someone from the inside. Not in a viral Twitter thread or anonymous Reddit post, but right here, in full view and full voice.

Most of us have our ideas — the way we imagine 'the MAGA community'.

We picture the caricature: all bluster and bravado, insulated in an impenetrable echo chamber, barking at the world. But do we ever ask, “How does someone end up there?”

Or what it feels like from the inside, when you aren’t just reading headlines, but living — or surviving — through them?

On this episode of Different, Not Broken, we break open the familiar narratives to let the real, messy, complicated humanity step into the light.

Hi, I'm Lauren "L2" Howard, and in this episode I spend time with Beckie Eckhart — a member of our quirky, unhinged community online — who, in passing, mentioned something I never expected: she came from the MAGA world.

Like, really from it. And she got out.

This conversation isn’t a confessional. It isn’t an indictment. It’s somewhere in between — the untangling of shame, the naming of trauma, and a determination not to let that pain become an inheritance for others.

Beckie tells us what it means to be groomed by the people and systems you’re supposed to trust.

She shares what it feels like when religiosity wraps up with white supremacy and fear, and how the hooks get in so deep you can’t even see the cage around you.

She opens up about living in a state of crisis, the steep price of breaking away, and what healing really looks like when you’re holding a hundred kinds of regret in one hand and picking up hammers to build something better with the other.

If you want to know why MAGA is both a cult and a symptom — and why sometimes compassion is harder than criticism — Beckie’s story will stop you in your tracks.

If you’re looking for hope that people can wake up, change radically, and fight for something better… well, she’s proof, stubborn and scrappy and full-hearted.

If you’ve ever wanted to understand — really understand — why so many Americans are still stuck, how indoctrination works on the brain (and heart), and what it takes to walk out of the fire, this is one episode you don’t want to skip.

We’re not promising easy answers. But we are opening a door.

Thanks for being here and being open to the hard things.

We’ll keep shoving the door wider, together.

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Have you ever caught yourself rehearsing your 'acceptable' self before walking into a room full of strangers?

You know — slapping on that thin, artificial smile, smoothing out every quirk for the comfort of everyone else, and realizing you’re running a (very professional) version of a one-person Broadway show called, “Make Me Palatable”?

Hi, I’m Lauren Howard (People call me "L2"), and this week on "Different, Not Broken", we’re pressing record on a conversation most of us never have out loud: Do you find yourself needing to wear a mask?

In this episode, I admit something that surprised even me: I almost never have to mask anymore.

Freedom, right? But — plot twist — it turns out that’s not because I’m some brave authenticity unicorn.

So, what happens when a self-declared, professional non-masker lands in the exact kind of 'grown-up' cocktail hour her younger self would’ve run from?

Let’s just say it involves neurodivergent pre-planning, existential dread, and exactly zero interest in “introducing myself to some stranger just because that’s what adults do.”

If you’ve ever felt like the real you is just a bit too much (or not enough) for the room, this one’s for you.

(P.S. If you find a secret trick for ordering drinks like a normal adult at a work party, please message me. For science.)

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00:00 Selective Social Engagement

05:04 "Fashionably Late Party Entrance"

09:24 First Impressions Evolve Quickly

10:57 "Obligations and Friendship Dynamics"

15:16 Ending Calls Unconventionally

17:06 "Ending Conversations Simply"

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Yep, I'm back, caffeinated and undeterred, ready to take on the swirling mess of “autism registries,” junk science, and that perennial fixture of Twitter meltdowns: RFK Jr. himself.

It's not for the faint of heart—or for anyone who thinks the federal government has a “big red medical record button” (newsflash: it doesn’t).

Are you exhausted by the flood of misinformation around autism and tired of policymakers who couldn’t diagnose a runny nose, let alone understand complex neurodiversity?

I've got your back.

I've been running national mental and behavioral health organizations, helping autistic folks get real, accessible diagnoses, and pushing for patient-first, clinician-also-first, accessible-always care.

And I'm not here for the fantasy that “good autistics” and “bad autistics” are some kind of moral spectrum, or to let anyone label people as “burdens” because a guy with a microphone doesn’t understand science.

This episode pulls back the curtain on why the proposed national “autism registry” isn’t just misguided, but fundamentally impossible.

Listen as I call out the shadow incentives behind these political crusades—why it’s less about public health than…well, padding the pockets of a few very persistent anti-vaxxers.

It’s market research, not science, dressed up like a crusade. And it comes directly at the expense of real autistic people who are already fighting for space, resources, and dignity.

If you’re wondering how these hot takes at the top reach deep into everyday community life—shaping infighting, stoking fear, and making the realities of being autistic even harder—you'll be wanting to listen.

And, as always, we'll answer a question from our community in our "Small Talk" segment.

Ready? Press play. Spark some hope. And get the real story.

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02:00 Eugenics Rhetoric - Ugh!

05:17 Autism Registry Data Mismanagement

07:36 Inaccessible Universal Medical Data

13:11 Flawed Data Sharing Assumptions Exposed

15:33 Debunking Autism-Vaccine Myth

17:40 RFK's Vaccine Injury Profit Motive

21:41 Handling Unwanted Job Discussions

25:23 "Truck Driver's Evasive Answer"

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I’m obsessed with my own podcast stats.

There! I said it.

If the first step is admitting you have a problem, then…well, consider this episode my very public confession.

But here’s the real kicker: I never saw this coming.

I didn’t realize hitting 'refresh' on the analytics page of my podcast hosting dashboard would become my new form of adrenaline. Or that watching the listener count go up (or, terrifyingly, down) would trigger a rollercoaster of feelings straight out of a neurotic coming-of-age movie starring a main character who really needs to learn to enjoy the ride.

If you’ve been following along on Threads or ever found yourself spiraling because you suddenly cared way too much about something you didn’t even know you could care about?

This episode is about stats, ego, validation, self-doubt, and, yes, generational trauma—all tangled up with the anxious humor only someone with a dedicated “kinahura” detector can provide.

I talk about what it’s like to watch the numbers climb (and sometimes fall), and how ego, imposter syndrome, and a hefty sense of “why are you all here again?” combine to create the weirdest kind of nervous excitement imaginable.

Thanks for being here, friends (repeat listeners, you’re my favorite kind of statistical anomaly).

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to refresh the analytics—again.

Love you, mean it.

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Why is behavioral health so impossibly hard to access, navigate, and survive—especially if you’re wired a bit differently? Maybe you’ve asked yourself that before. We have too.

Heck, we’ve made a whole business (and apparently, a whole podcast) out of asking exactly that: Why does it have to be so hard?

Welcome to “Different, Not Broken”—the podcast where bureaucratic tangles, soul-draining waitlists, and “bring your own magic decoder ring” healthcare red tape get ripped apart, re-examined, and (when possible) outsmarted.

I’m Lauren "L2" Howard and I can promise you this:

In this episode, I peel back the curtain and share how a simple (if stubbornly repeated) question—"Why does this have to be so difficult?"—became the engine for everything I do.

Clinical dead-ends? Check.

Six-month waits and insurance mazes for autism and ADHD care? Rechecked.

People winding up in the ER instead of finding someone who could actually help, before the crisis boiled over? Double-checked and regrettably, deeply familiar.

But what if you didn’t have to run that gauntlet?

What if someone just built a bridge?

When my team and I ran face-first into the “that’s impossible” wall, we started looking for secret doors.

Sometimes, all it took was radical honesty and a burning refusal to accept the status quo.

PLUS: In this week’s small talk, the community asks, “How do I answer, ‘Tell me about yourself?’ without feeling like I’m humble-bragging my way to nowhere?”

Hit that follow button, share with your friends, or drop us a note about your own impossible-seeming battle with the system.

Every listen helps us make it just a little less hard for the next person.

And if you need daily reminders that you’re good enough, weird enough, and human enough—even without a signed diagnosis? You know where to find us.

Let’s make behavioral health make sense… for all of us.

I'll talk to you as soon as you click play...

00:00 Access Barriers in Mental Health

04:32 Simplifying Crisis Care Access

07:19 Streamlining Adult Autism Testing

10:23 Streamlining Healthcare Processes

14:44 "Rethinking Autism Diagnosis Necessity"

17:11 "You Deserve Softness and Light"

20:17 "Championing Self-Accomplishment Over Stereotypes"

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Why you have to ask the 'stupid' questions. Seriously.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But, L2, I’d rather set my hair on fire than look clueless in front of a room full of people (or, for that matter, one person I secretly—or not-so-secretly—want to impress).”  

Hi! I’m Lauren Howard (but you can call me L2—everyone does), and this is Different, Not Broken—the podcast for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re the only person who can’t quite read between the lines. Spoiler: you’re not alone, and you definitely aren’t broken.

Today, we’re taking on one of the stickiest, sweatiest, most universal social anxieties: the fear of looking 'dumb' by asking questions everyone else must already know the answer to. (You know, the questions you furiously Google at 1am because—let’s be honest—Google is not here for your nuanced, deeply personal, extremely context-specific conversational crisis.)

We’re talking about the actual reason it feels like everyone else in the room knows what’s expected. Except you.

And more importantly, why the people who seem the smartest might actually be as confused as you are.

Come for the reminders that communication isn’t one-size-fits-all; stay for the dead dad jokes, the unfiltered storytelling, and the small but mighty nuggets that might just make life make a little more sense.

Plus—Patreon insiders get access to our text line for real-time social script help. It’s a thing. It’s working. You’re invited.

Here's the link - https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/patreon

If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself out of asking for what you need, or just want to feel less alone in a world full of unsaid rules, press play on this episode.

P.S. Oh yeah... if you want to learn how trauma, grief, and novelty work in your brain—and how repetition is the magic ingredient for making even the worst things boring in the end—don’t skip the final ten minutes. For the Freud stuff.

Plus, you might catch a glimpse of the Dungeons & Dragons/DSM-5 crossover you never knew you needed. IYKYK.

Hit play. You have questions. So do we. Turns out, that’s actually the point.

03:13 Just Ask

08:47 Encourage Open Communication

09:48 Embrace Reactions, Clarify Boundaries

15:04 Wartime Child Evacuations in WWII

17:28 Brain Processes Trauma Repetitively

21:40 Dungeons and Dragons? WTF?

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I added some bullhorn for effect.

Hey, It’s "Different, Not Broken", and I’m Lauren Howard — "L2" if you’re friendly or just prefer to keep things efficient.

And I’m here to shatter one of the workplace’s worst-kept secrets: the idea that a direct deposit into your bank account means you have to swallow abuse, keep quiet, and thank your lucky stars someone’s tolerating you.

Spoiler alert — it doesn’t.

But it’s not all righteous fire and rage-quits around here.

I’ve been there—trapped, anxious, warped by a job that paid my rent but cost me chunks of my mental health. If you’re reading this, odds are, you’ve been there too, or you’re not sure if you have…which, as I’ll tell you, is usually its own answer.

So, what’s in this episode?

If you’re tired of advice that boils down to “just quit!” (as if you can pay your landlord in righteous anger), or if gut-level honesty about workplace dysfunction is your jam, you’re in the right place.

We’ll cover survival tactics for the in-the-trenches folks, whether you’re just trying to outlast management’s latest round of corporate "Hunger Games" or you’re documenting every microaggression just in case you need to lawyer up.

You’ll hear how to find and fortify your safe spaces (even if one is just the friend who knows exactly what your "dunk” is), and why no, actually, you shouldn’t have to choose between sanity and survival.

It’s not just you. You deserve to feel safe at work—like, day-one safe, “where’s the fire exit” safe, not “will HR gaslight me if I bring this up” safe. Because most of us need our jobs, but none of us need to be broken by them.

And because finding one small, practical step of control can be the thing that gets you through another day (or the thing that lights the spark that starts real change).

Oh, and if you needed one more reason? If you’ve ever needed to scream into the void that you really, truly deserve better—or just want to hear me call out corporate bullsh*t with the gusto it deserves—you’re our people.

Hop in. As always, we’ll be loud. We’ll be real. We’ll be here—different, not broken.

And by the end of the episode, you might just believe it a little more.

(PS: If you know where to find a magical “donk” for your phone charger, or a support group of people who just get your weird sound-laden language, don’t keep it to yourself. Some of us are still looking.)

Listen now. Let yourself feel seen. And remember: A paycheck is not a permission slip for abuse. Ever.

04:05 You're Entitled to Safety at Work

07:14 Navigating Job Mobility and Abuse

10:13 Document Your Experiences, Consult Legal Help

15:21 You Deserve Better: Recognize Abuse

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Infertility isn’t just a medical diagnosis — it’s a daily ache that reshapes how you see yourself, your relationships, and even good news from people you love.

In this raw, unfiltered episode, I'm opening the hell up about four years of unexplained infertility, pregnancy loss, the jealousy nobody admits out loud, and why asking “When are you having kids?” can quietly devastate someone.

If you’ve been there, you’ll feel seen. If you haven’t, you’ll understand why silence, empathy, and better questions matter.

Have a listen. It might just make you feel better about all... that *gestures wildly at everything*

Oh, and check out all the other ways in which I can support you, here. https://stan.store/elletwo

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In this episode, I’m explaining why professionalism, as it’s sold to us, is pretty much bullshit.

We’re told we have to fit this narrow, stuffy standard to survive in the workplace, but let’s be real: that standard was designed to exclude anyone who isn’t a 45-year-old white guy.

I talk about how, especially in mental health and helping professions, there’s this weird expectation that you should be neutral and never challenge harmful ideologies—even when those beliefs are actively hurting people and keeping them from accessing care.

Spoiler alert: I don’t subscribe to that.

You’ll hear stories from my own life—yes, including plenty more 'dead Dad jokes' around my memories of running my Dad’s practice.

Also, for our little side-quest, I'll talk about why imposter syndrome creeps up on us, and why you’re probably a lot more qualified than you feel.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, that you’re making it up as you go, or that your path wasn’t 'professional' enough, you’re in good company.

Let’s throw out the old rules together and celebrate exactly who we are—tabs open, messy stories, and all.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Toyota
• Hyundai
• Honda
• Elon Musk

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The world often feels rigged. And this episode is a wake-up call to recognize the barriers that exist for those who don’t fit the traditional mold.

In this episode, which is a kind of tribute to my dear departed Dad, I recount some powerful lessons from the man who was a brilliant psychiatrist and my biggest champion.

He taught me that if something feels off about the environment you’re in, it probably is—and it’s absolutely hella-not your fault.

We dare to break into the uncomfortable truth that many workplaces are designed for a very specific demographic, leaving neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum, feeling excluded.

I share three stories in which my Dad imparted to me more than my fair share of his wisdom, and I'm hoping you to can feel empowered.

You'll learn that we can advocate for ourselves and others to create a more inclusive work culture.

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I have two cousins. Two. And I didn’t even meet them until we were all adults.

So, yeah—when people talk about the support they get from big, extended families, it’s not exactly the world I know.

You want to talk about family? Mine has never really fit the greeting-card mold. Forget the idea that blood is always thicker than water. Turns out, the people who pick up the phone, drive hours at the drop of a hat, or tell you that you’re not the crazy one? Sometimes, they’re not even related to you. Sometimes, they are a middle school friend of your mom’s.

Let’s get real: not every family is safe.

Not everyone gets the shining, warm, leave-it-to-beaver home life you see on TV.

(If you’re sitting there thinking, “well, my nuclear family is...fine?”—hold onto that. There are therapists out here with new boats thanks to all of us with tricky dynamics.)

So, what do you do when your 'people' aren’t your people?

What does it mean to build and value chosen family—for neurodivergent folks, folks on the margins, and, well, anyone who’s ever needed someone on their side when the world doesn’t play fair?

In this episode of "Different, not broken", I’m sharing real, maybe-too-honest stories about losing someone who was never 'official family' but was instrumental to my life.

About generational differences in holding onto friends, about the random soulmates and honorary aunts you collect along the way.

The secret sauce of having someone who just believes in you—often long after you stop believing in yourself.

About how you can cobble together your own safety net when the original factory settings are...suboptimal, at best.

If you’ve ever wondered where you fit, or have mourned the distance (or absence) in your 'real' family, or want practical hope that you can find your people, this one is for you.

Consider this your permission slip: family isn’t always about who shares your last name, but about who shows up, sees you, and gives you space to be exactly who you are—even if that means starting a new job at 69 or reminding you to tell the world to get lost when you need it most.

Hit play to find your new favorite survival strategy for living different—not broken.

Because you deserve more than 'good enough'—you deserve family that’s actually safe.

(And maybe a few wild stories about just how weird and wonderful that can look.)

As always, your support helps keep the podcast going, keep assessments accessible, and keep a whole lot of therapists’ kids in college. Every listen and share goes further than you think.

Let’s take down the 'real family only' myth, together.

And then be sure to get yourself signed up for all our updates!

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I’m all about showing up as my true self, and yeah, that means I drop the F-bomb like it’s confetti at a party. Some folks might be turned off by that, but honestly? I couldn’t give a f...!

We need to all be about embracing who we are, flaws and all, and that includes my colorful vocabulary.

So in this episode, I want to talk with you about how being authentic can actually draw the right people to you – those who vibe with your unapologetic self.

So, kick back, grab your jar of fu*ks, throw one straight into the garbage, and let’s get into the messy, beautiful world of just being real!

Takeaways you'll learn from listening:

• Being unapologetically yourself is powerful, even if it includes a few f-bombs.
• Using humor and raw honesty in conversations can break down barriers and connect people.
• Your quirks and differences make you unique; embrace them instead of hiding them away.
• Cursing can create a sense of comfort in tough discussions about mental health and well-being. And if you offend someone, they probably weren't your vibe anyway.

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This episode is a rallying cry for empathy and understanding, especially for those who are non-verbal or struggle to communicate.

Did you catch the story of Victor Perez? If you didn't, I urge you to do so.

In this bonus episode of "Different, not broken" I want to explore the layers of miscommunication that led to his death and how society's perception of 'threat' is often skewed by race and misunderstanding.

We have an urgent need for crisis intervention resources that do not involve police, but instead spotlight community-based alternatives.

The tragic reality is that in just 12 seconds, a life was lost due to a system that is ill-equipped to handle individuals in crisis.

This bonus episode intends to share resources and insights that aim to educate and empower you, as a listener, to advocate for change and compassion in your community.

Links referenced in this episode:

• dontcallthepolice.com
• autismandrace.com

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Boomers love secrets!

I said it. Maybe you flinched reading that—maybe you’re nodding along, feeling it deep in your bones, the way “don’t tell anyone” was as common in your house as “finish your peas.” This episode is for every person who grew up in a family where “put on a smile” was mandatory, pain was packed neatly away, and no news—good or bad—ever left the front door until it was passé.

I’m Lauren Howard (L2). Here’s the deal: I was raised by a Greatest Generation dad and a very boomer mom. Our home? “Curated” was not an Instagram aesthetic, it was a lifestyle. Major life events? Hush-hush. Fights? Don’t you dare let the neighbors know. Moving across the country? Tell no one—not even the kids, until a for-sale sign is basically in your face.

Fast forward to adulthood, and I’m the one who “shouldn’t tell,” but thirty seconds later I’m blasting my life out to the internet. It’s a push-pull dance between inherited silence and radical honesty—a lifelong project of untangling which secrets keep us safe and which just keep us isolated.

WHY LISTEN?

• If you're part of the cycle of "boomer secrets" and want to break the shame around pain and joy.
• If generational expectations shape your willingness to be open about your struggles, and you want to over come them.
• If embracing your whole self, not just the curated parts would improve your life.

Click play. Let’s un-curate, together.

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Breakups Aren’t Just for Lovers: Why Losing Neurodivergent Friends Hurts So Damn Much

We don’t talk enough about the heartbreak of losing neurodivergent friends. For many of us, those friendships feel deeper than family. And when they end, the grief can be worse than any romantic breakup.

This Different Not Broken episode dives into the messy, under-discussed reality of neurodivergent friendships: why they click so intensely, why they sometimes vanish without warning, and why the grief lingers for years.

I'm doin' it. I'm getting real and raw, sharing my own story of losing a best friend—the late-night phone calls that suddenly stopped, the milestones missed, the ache that outlasted every past relationship breakup.

Why listen?

• If you’ve ever lost a neurodivergent friend and felt like no one understood how deep it cut.
• If you’ve wondered why friendship grief can feel sharper than heartbreak.
• If you’re tired of being told to “get over it.”
• Or if you just want to feel seen.

Because friendship breakups aren’t just side notes—they’re real grief.

And for neurodivergent friends, that loss can shake your world.

Hit play for a necessary, validating reminder: you’re not broken for hurting this bad.

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Nine years.

That’s how long it’s been since my dad died.

Nine years of breathing around a space that never refills.

Nine years of being a parent without my favorite example of maternal energy.

Nine years of mothering, leading, starting a business, and still, on some days, needing to remind myself that “different” is just that—different, not broken.

Welcome to an episode that will mess with your pause button.

It’s about love, loss, empathy, and the complicated math of moving forward when someone who powered your entire operating system just isn’t here anymore.

(Spoiler alert: Siri has nothing on my dad’s emotional support iPhone.)

This is the story I didn’t know if I’d ever share with a mic.

I’ve written about this.

I’ve skirted around it in essays, offered tiny slices in speeches, and let it simmer in my private thoughts. But speaking it out loud? That’s a whole other layer of irreverence and vulnerability.

Qualities my dad basically trademarked.

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I've never been able to tell left from right.

There! I said it.

I’ll probably say it again at least fourteen times before breakfast tomorrow.

My brain has never clocked the absolute 'well, obviously' of which direction is which.

But... plot twist... that’s not a problem.

It’s just different. And that difference taught me a hell of a lot more about myself, my family, and resilience than any workbook, life hack, or well-meaning suggestion of a trick to try and solve it.

If you’ve ever felt that friction of being handed a supposedly 'easy' trick (“just write it on your hands, Lauren!”) only to realize it helps exactly zero, or if you have a kid whose way of being in the world defies every sharp-edged box marked “normal,” you’ll want to tune in.

This week on Different, not Broken, I'm unpacking how difference (not “defect”) steered my entire trajectory: in school, on the playground, behind the wheel (left? right? Eh…), even into how I parent my own kids.

This episode has it all - weird brains, unlabeled hands, toppling off monkey bars, and the rest: welcome to the soft, shameless, science-y, supportive corner of the internet.

Listen in, bring your questions, and, if you figure out which way is left, DM me.

Or don’t. Because my brain still won't see it.

Hit play. Let's celebrate our 'different'.

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One pill a day. That’s all it takes, apparently, to give the world its color back. You’d think adding a little routine to your morning... a pill, a glass of water... wouldn’t be the hill your mental health dies on, but here we are.

In this week’s episode of Different, Not Broken, I'm letting you in on the strange, subtle shape that anxiety and depression can take. And why you don’t need a five-alarm fire in your life to justify asking for help.

This episode peels back the curtain on what 'not broken' really means, especially when you’ve been high-functioning, hyper-responsible, and the go-to for getting stuff done.

I'm talking candidly about the quiet ways depression and anxiety can erode joy from your life without ever stopping you from making payroll or packing school lunches.

00:00 "Unexpected Gray Days Cure"

03:50 Pandemic Stress and Anxiety Diagnosis

06:22 Realizing Deeper Issues Beyond Anxiety

12:33 Seeking Support Without Crisis

14:26 Avoiding Direct Support for Author

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This is your cue to send a bouquet of apology flowers to every postal worker you’ve ever rolled your eyes at.

In this week’s episode, I, Lauren Howard (aka L2, thanks for asking), spiral into the surprisingly convoluted topics of marriage, US mailing discounts and business-unit-only windows that might or might not be open.

Turns out, love isn’t always roses and chocolate.

If you’re one of those people who’s ever panicked because the 'simple' task on your list involves fifteen sub-tasks, or you’ve ever desperately wished someone would just handle it when executive function leaves you high and dry, then this episode is for you.

Thinking of skipping this one?

Don’t.

If you’ve ever felt steamrolled by a 'basic' task or exhausted by the endless loop of family birthdays, this is your safe space. If you’re looking for tactical life hacks, zero judgment, and a side of dead dad jokes, you’ll want to hit play and stay awhile.

Different is not broken, and you’re not alone in the chaos.

Subscribe/follow, listen, and prepare to eye those Four-for-$5 glitter globes at Five Below with brand new appreciation.

Loveyameanit.

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Who told you you weren’t good enough?

No really, who actually said it? Because I checked, and 9 times out of 10, it’s just you playing that broken record in your head.

I show up to urgent care in pajamas, basically grunting in pain, and still get asked for telehealth advice. That’s right. People think I know what I’m doing. Meanwhile, I am absolutely carrying a full set of imposter syndrome luggage.

Four businesses. Programs built from scratch. Surrounded by credentialed pros. And yet my inner monologue is: “Am I allowed to be here? Is someone going to figure out I have no idea what I’m doing?”

Listen to this episode, because it features a neat trick you can do next time your brain starts farting out its “You Have Zero Business Here” speech.

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When a bad headline blames Tylenol for autism, L2’s had enough.

This is her blistering, hilarious takedown of pseudo-science, mom-shaming, and the politicians who thrive on both.

It starts with keyboards, ends with capitalism, and somehow makes perfect sense in between.

Click play, have a listen, and then check out her Stan Store.

https://stan.store/elletwo

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When my dad — a doctor — started losing the ability to walk, I thought we’d find answers quickly. Instead, we ran straight into a wall of hospital red tape, conflicting protocols, and doctors too afraid to take a risk.

This is a true story about how I fought the healthcare system to save my father’s life.

It’s about standing up to bureaucracy, finding the right information when no one else would, and learning how compassion sometimes matters more than protocol.

Expect platelets, hallway confrontations, and neurosurgeons who definitely didn’t expect me to show up armed with research from the Cleveland Clinic.

Oh, and also, the tooth fairy industry almost suffered a financial blip thanks to my husband...

Check out my programs to help you do better in your business and marketing:

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Something's shifted in my podcast journey while recording "Different, not Broken" for half a year now.

I didn't see it coming.

Question is, did YOU?

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Ever find yourself carrying earplugs in every bag and pocket, just in case the world gets a little too… loud? Or maybe you’ve written letters to your doctor, explaining that “no, you don’t look autistic” is not the hot take they think it is? This is the episode for you.

I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Natalie Diggins, technologist, deep tech investor, and—most importantly—the author of The Autistic Adults Toolbox. I’m not even exaggerating when I say her book lives permanently on my desk, just waiting to solve another of life’s neurospicy puzzles.

I didn’t tell her that before we interviewed, but, okay, surprise Natalie: you’re basically my lifeline on days when the world feels like a construction site inside my brain. I know some of you feel that too.

Here’s what you’re going to get from this episode:

Natalie doesn’t spend her time pontificating about “overcoming adversity” or “finding your purpose.”

No, she gets down to the real stuff: reverse engineering a life that works for your brain, documenting every semi-absurd hack, and making sure sensory survival is always step one.

You’ll hear how she wrote a pre-op letter for her surgeon (“Strangers touching me = nope”), only to find the medical world has a lot of catching up to do.

A little bit of hope: not all doctors are stuck in the 1990s, but spoiler… plenty of them are.

You’ll get the inside scoop on the magic tool-making mindset that yields everything from bespoke sensory plans to New York City restaurant negotiation tactics (earplug, anyone?), and what happens when you decide you can mask or unmask, by choice, not requirement.

Natalie even breaks down her “hot meter” for dealing with the “you don’t look autistic” crowd.

Why should you listen?

Maybe you’re late-diagnosed, or you’re still in the “is it sensory? Is it burnout? Am I just quirky?” phase.

Natalie’s journey is a cheat code for ditching shame, building support systems, and treating diagnosis as just another plot point—not the whole story. I

f you want to hear how anyone can build actual, actionable strategies for living well, even when your brain is extra spicy (and sometimes extra tired, extra loud, or extra meltdown-y), hit play.

My helpful offers for other people with neurospicy brains - https://stan.store/elletwo

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So, picture this: I’m having lunch with my dad, we’re mid-bite, chatting about David Carradine, and out of nowhere he says, “You don’t usually die that way.”

My dad’s a psychiatrist, by the way — which somehow makes that line both better and worse.

That comment sent me down a totally unexpected rabbit hole into his past life as a medical researcher… and, apparently, a minor expert on autoerotic asphyxiation. Yeah. My childhood suddenly made a lot more sense.

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you're different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

Timestamped summary (use the chapters if you're on Apple Podcasts)

00:00 "Different, Not Broken Podcast"

05:00 "70s Study on Fatal Act"

07:34 Psychiatrists and Strange Stories

12:28 Navigating Awkward Social Transitions

13:15 Interjecting in Conversations Respectfully

16:50 "Celebrating Progress and Growth"

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It’s one thing to be a degree removed from a celebrity—it’s another to almost, possibly, maybe know how Bruce Lee died (except for the super weird turn of events that resemble a case for Mulder and Scully!)

But that’s exactly where we find ourselves in this episode: one step away from unraveling a mystery that’s tiptoed through dinner parties, rumbled around old Hong Kong restaurants, and left one family with a conversation that’s been categorically “denied” for decades.

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you're different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

Timestamped summary (use the chapters if you're on Apple Podcasts)

00:00 Seattle's Gloom: Love and Misery

03:46 Pathologists, Conferences, and Autopsies

06:21 "Suspicion Surrounding Mysterious Death"

11:24 "Managing Visible Disdain for Stupidity"

13:06 "Bro's Face Speaks Volumes"

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I hate meetings. I hate them so much.

Which is very awkward for someone who runs multiple businesses and technically needs them to function as an adult.

In this episode I am unpacking why meetings make me irrationally angry even when they are useful, profitable, and with people I actually like. Why does my brain treat work like an interruption to my other work? Why do I get mad at my calendar for existing? And why do I wake up thinking I can cram 72 hours of tasks into an 8 hour day and then resent anyone who dares to speak to me?

Brains are weird. Bodies are weird. Doors are definitely weird.

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you're different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

00:00 "Losing L2: Rediscovering Identity"

05:35 Taking Back Power with elletwo.com

09:16 Reflecting on Productive Conversations

12:36 Doors, Narration, and Love

16:02 "Hyper Awareness of Doors"

16:53 "Awkward Doors and Thresholds"

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Buying a car in Florida shouldn’t feel like psychological warfare, but apparently it does. I’m just trying to replace my family car without losing my mind — or my sense of humour — in the process.

Between fake add-ons, hidden dealer fees, and salespeople who can’t stop lying, car shopping in Florida has become a full-time trust exercise.

In this episode, I share what it’s really like for someone who barely leaves the house enough to justify owning shoes, to navigate car buying in Florida while trying to stay honest, barefoot, and only mildly unhinged.

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you're different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

00:00 "Car Shopping Misery"

05:40 "Frustrations with Car Salesmen"

06:59 Car Dealership Troubles

11:09 "Shoes, Cars, & Parenting"

15:31 "Pinstriping Package Scam"

16:24 Therapy, Cars, and Existential Questions

19:45 "Patient Isn't Always the Sick"

25:25 Evaluating Therapy's Effectiveness

26:11 "Therapy Communication and Trust"

Thanks for listening, guys.

Luvyameanit

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I survived a healthcare conference in Las Vegas… and honestly, I’m still a little surprised.

Hi, I'm Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do. And in this episode of "Different, Not Broken" I'm sharing my story of peopling in sin city.

Between the cigarette-tinged air, the giant hotel that somehow has no sunlight, the time-zone confusion, and the very real possibility that I could’ve wandered straight into a meetup hosted by people I’m literally in a legal dispute with, this trip shouldn’t have been fun — but weirdly, it was.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why Vegas feels like a desert with no actual sun

• How I almost RSVP’d myself straight into the lion’s den (yes, that lion)

• My team acting like emotional support humans so I didn’t melt into a puddle in the middle of the crowd

• The bizarre networking moments where founders, lawyers, and random strangers kept appearing out of nowhere

• Why meeting listeners in real life makes me want to slide between the cracks of a sewer grate and disappear forever

• And — shockingly — why I’d actually do this whole thing again

Also, Alison brings us another listener question in Small Talk all about productivity.

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you're different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

00:00 "Time, Smoke, and Healthcare Irony"

05:30 "Almost Entering the Lion's Den"

07:12 "Introvert at the Party"

13:12 "Dateline Rule: No Second Location"

13:49 "Conference Reflections: Fun & Validation"

17:11 "Overcoming Exhaustion and Enjoyment"

20:20 Checklist Productivity vs Mental Effort

23:55 Redefining Daily Productivity

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To be honest, I’ve hit my limit with holiday guilt and the weird pressure to act like everything’s cosy and magical just because the calendar says so. Holidays are made up. They only exist if you get paid time off or you genuinely enjoy them… and most people don’t.

In this episode, I’m pulling the curtains back on the whole thing.

The family expectations.

The traditions no one even likes.

The so-called “peacekeeping” that’s really just self-abandonment.

This one’s a little ranty, a little chaotic, and probably the most comforting thing you’ll hear all season.

Let’s talk about ditching guilt, skipping the bullshit, and building holidays that don’t make you want to scream.

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Team Difficult: Can I Get That on a T-Shirt?

Hi, I'm Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do. And in this episode of "Different, Not Broken"...

You know that word you’ve heard muttered under their breath after a meeting, or the one you’ve seen tossed around as an insult every time you dared to challenge a Not-So-Great Idea™ at work? "Difficult."

It’s the golden badge awarded when you stand your ground, ask questions, or refuse to shrink yourself to fit someone else’s comfort zone.

Might as well print it on a shirt and wear it as a uniform. (Actually, that’s exactly what happened—and yes, the US trademark is real. Team Difficult is officially in session.)

In this episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on the culture of workplace competition, the myth of “just be agreeable and you’ll get ahead,” and how the word “difficult” is actually code for “please be smaller so I can feel bigger.”

If you’ve ever felt like you have to play the game—even when being “game” makes you miserable—or you’ve found yourself walking a fine line between champion and challenger, this episode is for you.

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much”—too loud, too opinionated, too different—or found yourself shrinking so someone else didn’t feel threatened, “Different, Not Broken” is here to remind you: You are NOT difficult, even when they say you are.

You’re Team Difficult—and that’s something to celebrate.

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you're different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

00:00 "Team Difficult Origins Explained"

03:24 Gender Bias in Workplace Communication

08:13 "Collaboration Over Competition"

12:07 "Christmas Trees Have Backs"

15:42 Burnout and Starting Over

19:02 "Self-Blame in Tough Situations"

20:42 Unsustainable Burnout Amid Life Challenges

24:10 "This Might Break Him"

Mentioned in this episode:

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Your emotional energy is not in your job description.

There! I said it. Did you feel a little jolt of recognition, a sense of relief—or maybe a stab of rage?

Hi, I'm Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do. And in this episode of "Different, Not Broken" I'm asking if you’ve ever slogged through unbearable meetings, survived a boss who’d rather watch you squirm than support you, or felt your job siphoning off bits of your sanity day after day… this episode is your permission slip to stop surrendering your mental health on the altar of toxic work culture.

If you’ve ever heard “No job is worth your mental health” and nodded vigorously, only to feel that familiar panic rising when rent is due and quitting might mean eviction, you’re in the right place.

This episode won’t hand you Instagram-worthy mantras divorced from the realities of bills, healthcare, and responsibility.

Instead, I'm calling bullshit on the “just quit” narrative, sharing the reality, along with some actionable insights, and the kinds of boundary-setting wisdom you wish someone told you before your workplace broke you—not because you were broken, but because you were different in a system built for sameness.

You’ll find out:

• Why the burn-it-all-down mentality works for trust-fund babies but not so much for the rest of us.
• How your emotional labor is being quietly exploited—and how to reclaim it without burning bridges (or burning out).
• The single most important thing to do before leaving a toxic workplace (hint: it's not just quitting).
• How to spot the difference between jobs that are simply tough, and jobs that are actively toxic.
• What actually leads to burnout (spoiler: it’s almost never the actual work).

Most importantly, you'll hear a deeply personal story of what happens when you reach your breaking point—and what you wish you knew before walking away.

No job deserves your mental health.

Listen now. Your sanity—and future self—will thank you.

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you're different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

00:00 "No Job Over Mental Health"

06:11 "Choosing Your Emotional Boundaries"

08:49 "Leaving to Save My Sanity"

12:49 "Questioning Corporate Processes"

15:11 Corporate Misfit to Happy Entrepreneur

19:46 Weekend Questions I Hate

23:10 "Choosing Between Fun or Rest"

25:27 Navigating Choices and Conversations

Mentioned in this episode:

Build Your Better course

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Sponsor Different Not Broken

I need to go on the record.

The Wet Bandits are NOT the villains in Home Alone.

This episode is a full rewatch reckoning. The kind that hits you sideways once you’re an adult and can’t unsee what’s actually happening on screen.

And we’re meant to call it festive.

This is not a cosy nostalgia episode.

It’s time to get a little uncomfortable and understand what's really going on with this movie and why I think it's more of a horror movie than a Christmas film.

Merry Christmas, you filthy animals.

Nobody really explains this part of relationships either.

That a lot of the friction isn’t about love, or communication, or effort.

It’s about order.

And chaos.

And which one of you is quietly losing your mind because the other one will not, under any circumstances, make a plan.

Hi, I’m Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do.

And in this episode of Different, Not Broken, I introduce you to the single most accurate relationship framework I’ve ever found.

It comes from the greatest relationship philosopher of our time.

Jim Henson.

I’m talking Order Muppets and Chaos Muppets.

Who they are.

Why they keep finding each other.

And why once you see it, you genuinely can’t unsee it.

We get into partners, kids, siblings, colleagues, and the moment when an Order Muppet finally snaps and goes full feral Kermit.

We talk about why chaos isn’t a flaw.

Why order isn’t control.

And why most conflict is really just two nervous systems speaking completely different languages.

There’s also a listener question about masking.

What it costs.

Why it’s exhausting.

And how to start noticing who you actually are underneath all the coping.

It’s funny.

It’s unreasonably accurate.

And it will absolutely ruin the way you look at the people in your life, in the best possible way.

If you’ve ever thought “why am I the only one holding this together?”

Or “why does this person make everything harder?”

Congratulations. You’re probably a Muppet.

Let’s figure out which kind.

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you’re different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

00:00 Are You an Order Muppet or a Chaos Muppet?

02:18 Jim Henson’s accidental relationship genius

05:04 Why opposites don’t just attract, they survive

08:41 Families, kids, and chaos tolerance

11:22 When Order Muppets finally lose their shit

13:09 Listener question: masking and exhaustion

14:05 How to start unmasking without blowing up your life

Mentioned in this episode:

Build Your Better course

Build your better course - https://stan.store/elletwo/p/build-your-better

Brag on yourself

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Sponsor Different Not Broken

Nobody tells you this part about being an adult.

That most of your energy gets burned on decisions. Small ones. Constant ones. What to eat. What to say. How to say it nicely. Who not to upset. When to apologise. Again.

Hi, I'm Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do. And in this episode of "Different, Not Broken" I talk about the real gift overwhelmed people actually want.

Not stuff.

Not experiences.

Not another thing you’re supposed to be grateful for.

Just nothing.

Relax, there's logic in here if you listen.

I also get into something we’ve been quietly taught for years: that staying modest, keeping your head down, and not bragging will somehow pay off. To be honest, it usually hasn’t. And pretending otherwise hasn’t helped anyone.

This is a conversation about decision fatigue, invisible labour, and why being good at things isn’t something you should apologise for. It’s funny, sharp, honest, and probably a bit too relatable if you’re the person everyone relies on.

If you’re tired, capable, and done pretending you’re not — this one’s for you.

Once you've been inspired to brag, here's where you can do it! - https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemail

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you're different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

00:00 "What I Really Want"*

05:46 "Craving Decision-Free Solitude"

06:18 "Adulting is Meal Planning"

10:11 "Garbage Day Struggles"

15:44 Boundaries on Personal Questions

16:25 "Pets as Family"

Mentioned in this episode:

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Wanna learn to write like me?

Here's how you can!

Writing Course

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Shhhhh! Come in and have a listen to your gift. Don't tell anyone....

Nobody tells you this part about being a parent.

That every boundary you set comes with a quiet, gnawing guilt.

Needing space. Wanting quiet. Asking not to be touched for five minutes.

And immediately wondering if you’ll regret it forever.

Hi, I'm Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do.

And in this episode of Different, Not Broken, I talk about the constant tug-of-war between your needs as a human and your guilt as a parent.

Because even when your kids are healthy, safe, loved, and thriving, it can still feel like you’re failing someone all the time.

Usually yourself. Sometimes them.

Often both.

I get into overstimulation, sensory overload, and why tiny, almost invisible things can feel completely unbearable when your fuse is already short.

And I talk about that thought parents torture themselves with over and over again.

What if this is the last time?

This is a conversation for parents who love their kids deeply and still sometimes need room to breathe.

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you’re different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

00:00 The chaos nobody prepares you for

01:00 When your fuse feels dangerously short

03:03 Overstimulation and sensory overload

06:20 The tiny thing that breaks you

10:45 “What if this is the last time?”

14:50 The moment I knew I’d done something right

27:30 Recording while being a parent

Mentioned in this episode:

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You’re not broken.

But a lot of us were taught to believe we were.

Hi, I’m Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do. And in this episode of Different, Not Broken, I’m talking with Libby Alders, a pastoral chaplain who works at the intersection of faith, trauma, and identity, about what happens when religion stops being a source of comfort and starts quietly doing damage.

We get into how harmful theology gets lodged in your nervous system, why so many neurodivergent and LGBTQIA people grow up feeling fundamentally wrong, and how community can heal or harm depending on who’s allowed to show up fully.

This isn’t a debate about belief. It’s a conversation about safety. About moral injury. About certainty being weaponised. And about finding ways to make meaning without being told who you’re allowed to be.

There’s swearing. There’s honesty. There’s a surprising amount of warmth for a conversation that doesn’t pull its punches.

Once you’ve been inspired to brag, here’s where you can do it!

https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemail

Useful stuff

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you’re different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

Timestamped summary

00:00 “You’re Not Broken. You Were Taught Harmful Theology”

04:18 Certainty, faith, and why curiosity matters

09:32 Religion, trauma, and moral injury

14:41 Neurodivergence, queerness, and conditional belonging

20:06 Losing faith without losing yourself

26:55 Finding safer community and meaning

Mentioned in this episode:

Build Your Better course

Build your better course - https://stan.store/elletwo/p/build-your-better

Wanna sponsor this podcast

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Sponsor Different Not Broken

Can somebody please explain this timeline to me?

Because I have a confession.

Last week — not even sure which day, definitely one of the days ending in “y” — something happened.

And I have no idea how.

Flying makes me anxious. Not the mild kind. The walls-closing-in, I-need-control kind.

Hi, I'm Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do. And in this episode of "Different, Not Broken" I talk about what it was like flying with someone who supported me without making a thing of it. No fuss. No questions. No spotlight. Just quiet, steady presence.

We get into why that kind of support works so well, especially for anxious and neurodivergent people, and why “are you okay?” is often the least helpful thing you can say.

Once you've been inspired to brag, here's where you can do it! - https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemail

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you're different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

00:00 "Therapist as Emotional Support"

05:49 "Calm Support During Turbulence"

07:26 "Weird Ears and Airplanes"

12:32 Toilet Paper Holder Frustrations

16:49 "Outgrowing Expectations and Tolerance"

18:46 Sibling Conflict and Resolution

Mentioned in this episode:

Build Your Better course

Build your better course - https://stan.store/elletwo/p/build-your-better

Wanna sponsor this podcast

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Sponsor Different Not Broken

Brag on yourself

Wanna brag on yourself for something you've done which you're proud of? https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemail

Happy Superbowl... to everyone but the New England Patriots because f**K them guys.

I didn’t want to have this rant.

I’m tired of needing to have this rant.

Hi, I’m Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do.

In this episode of Different, Not Broken, I talk about ICE raids, fear, and what it feels like when people are genuinely afraid to exist in their own communities.

I tell a personal story about someone I rely on every day being too scared to drive six minutes across her own neighbourhood — despite being a citizen — because ICE was crawling the area. And I unpack why “just comply” is a lie that doesn’t protect people when power isn’t being exercised responsibly.

This episode is about fear that makes sense, exhaustion that isn’t a personal failure, and why mental health can’t be separated from the political reality we’re living inside.

Later in the episode, I’m joined by Myah Knight for a deeper conversation about queer faith, religious trauma, and the kind of community people need when institutions become unsafe.

You’ll hear:

Why fear is a rational response to what’s happening right now

Why “just comply” doesn’t actually keep people safe

How power shifts the goalposts until you’re always in the wrong

What allostatic load is and why you’re exhausted even when you’re not doing much

How queer faith and community can exist alongside religious trauma

Why needing support doesn’t mean you’re broken

Once you’ve been inspired to brag, here’s where you can do it!

https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemail

Useful stuff

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you’re different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Why I’m talking about ICE and fear

01:06 – Being too scared to drive six minutes

03:20 – Why “just comply” doesn’t protect you

06:37 – What federal overreach actually looks like

10:00 – Fear, abuse dynamics, and moving goalposts

15:45 – Why you’re exhausted even when you’re doing nothing

19:50 – Why I wanted Myah in this conversation

20:30 – Queer faith, religious trauma, and healing

37:25 – Small Talk listener question: dissociation or burnout?

40:15 – What I want you to hear before you go

Mentioned in this episode:

Wanna sponsor this podcast

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Sponsor Different Not Broken

Brag on yourself

Wanna brag on yourself for something you've done which you're proud of? https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemail

Build Your Better course

Build your better course - https://stan.store/elletwo/p/build-your-better

Join Quirky

I recognised him instantly.

I’d never met him before.

Hi, I’m Lauren Howard. You can call me L2. Like other people do.

In this episode of Different, Not Broken, I tell the story of going to a startup funding event in Miami and unexpectedly sitting down next to someone I knew far too much about… despite never having spoken to him in my life.

It turns out reality TV, social conditioning, and a neurodivergent brain make for a very specific kind of social experience.

This episode is about what it’s like to hold a straight face while your brain is doing cartwheels, why masking often looks like politeness, and how much effort goes into pretending you don’t know what you know.

You’ll hear:

Why recognition doesn’t always come from real relationships

What masking actually looks like in everyday social situations

Why being “polite” is often a survival skill

How neurodivergent brains process people and patterns differently

Why explaining yourself gets exhausting fast

Once you’ve been inspired to brag, here’s where you can do it!

https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemail

Useful stuff

Stuff that helps you become awesome even if you’re different: https://stan.store/elletwo

My grown up job: https://lbeehealth.com/

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – I recognized him instantly

01:12 – Reality TV, hate watching, and accidental expertise

04:06 – Going to an event alone (never again)

06:48 – Sitting down next to someone I shouldn’t know

09:02 – Knowing too much and saying nothing

12:31 – Masking as politeness

15:18 – Why pretending not to know is exhausting

18:44 – Listener brag: feeling hopeful about 2026

20:02 – A very important question for sleep scientists

23:10 – Small Talk Listener Question: communicating needs without feeling difficult

Mentioned in this episode:

Brag on yourself

Wanna brag on yourself for something you've done which you're proud of? https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/voicemail

Join Quirky

Wanna sponsor this podcast

http://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/sponsors

Sponsor Different Not Broken

Build Your Better course

Build your better course - https://stan.store/elletwo/p/build-your-better