Welcome to the Different Spectrums Podcast — a dynamic mental health podcast that blends entertainment with education! Hosted by Dr. Nazeer Zerka, an autistic therapist, and Spencer Srnec, our hilarious and insightful co-host, we explore mental health, autism, neurodivergence, trauma, and relationships through the lens of popular movies and TV shows. 🎬🧠
Join our global cast of licensed therapists, neurodivergent voices, and special guests as we break down powerful scenes, normalize emotions, and unpack what healing really looks like in our communities.
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We All Wear Masks: The Real Struggles Behind All American | ft. Stephanie Mitchell
Thursday, November 13, 2025 • Duration 01:48:33
Today’s episode is something special. We’re joined by Stephanie Mitchell — a former Division I track and field athlete, brilliant geologist, proud Black woman, and fellow neurodivergent friend of the show.
Together we explore All American and dive deep into the emotional themes it portrays — identity, anger, loss, resilience, and the constant search for belonging. Stephanie brings her unique perspective as both an athlete and a neurodivergent woman to unpack what these moments mean for those who have felt unseen, unheard, or misunderstood.
💬 In this episode, we explore:
🏃♀️ The pressure on athletes, especially Black women, to push through pain and perfectionism
🎭 The exhaustion of masking and code-switching to fit into spaces that were not built for us
💔 The complexity of anger and grief when we lose people we love
🧠 Hypervigilance and the trauma of constantly reading and reacting to unsafe environments
🤝 The importance of mentorship, community, and having someone remind you that rest is not weakness
This episode is about being human in all its forms — breaking down the barriers between pain and healing, between anger and love, and between loneliness and belonging.
Stephanie reminds us that community is what saves us, that even in our hardest moments, connection is where we find hope again.
💭 Questions for You
Have you ever struggled with anger or grief after loss
Do you ever feel pressure to keep pushing even when you’re exhausted
What helps you find peace or support when you feel disconnected
🎧 Watch the full episode now on YouTube and listen anywhere you get your podcasts
🔗 Link in bio
Follow @Differentspectrumspodcast and connect with Stephanie Mitchell to support more incredible neurodivergent and Black creators in STEM and sports
Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.
Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.
We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums
⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:
You Are Not Alone: What Thunderbolts Teaches Us About Healing and Community | ft. Dr. Sara Roldan
Thursday, November 6, 2025 • Duration 01:50:17
Today’s episode is a powerful one. We’re joined by Dr. Sara Roldan, a therapist, professor, lecturer, and host of Our Oasis Community Podcast, as we break down Marvel’s Thunderbolts and explore its deep connection to mental health.
This film gives us so much to talk about — depression, isolation, self-hatred, and the painful but beautiful process of learning to love yourself again. Together, we dive into some of the most emotional moments and themes that show how healing often begins in community, not solitude.
💔 Key Topics We Explore
🌙 The struggle with self-hatred, emptiness, and the loss of identity after trauma
🧠 Depression and the metaphor of “the Void” — when darkness becomes all we see
🤝 The power of community healing and why we can’t recover alone
💬 Finding companionship after isolation and rebuilding trust
💡 Reconnecting with the inner child that trauma made us forget
Dr. Roldan also shares her insight on how fandom, nerddom, and geek culture can be used as healing tools in therapy. She opens up about her work supporting young women who are survivors of domestic, emotional, and sexual abuse — and how stories like Thunderbolts remind us of resilience, connection, and hope.
This conversation is both emotional and affirming. It’s about learning to hug the parts of yourself that you’ve tried to hide, to love the broken pieces, and to surround yourself with people who remind you that you are not alone.
💭 Questions for You
Which Thunderbolts character do you relate to most
Have you ever felt lost in your purpose or disconnected from yourself
What The Good Doctor Gets RIGHT (and Wrong) About Autism 🧠 | ft. Quincy Simmons
Season 3 · Episode 20
Thursday, October 30, 2025 • Duration 01:13:09
Today’s episode is extra special. We’re joined by Quincy Simmons, one of our amazing fans, a fellow autistic advocate, and a current college student who came ready with thoughtful questions about autism, neurodivergence, and real-world misconceptions.
Together, we break down some of the most common myths and stereotypes surrounding autism and explore how they shape the way society views neurodivergent people. We talk about how autism exists on a spectrum and why it is never just one thing — it is a beautiful, nuanced combination of traits, experiences, and intersections that make each individual unique.
Quincy brings us the show The Good Doctor, where we explore scenes featuring Dr. Shaun Murphy and connect them to real experiences in the autistic community.
We discuss:
💬 The struggle of self-advocacy in professional and academic spaces
💔 What happens when people misread our emotions or assume we lack empathy
💡 How sensory overload and meltdowns are often misunderstood
🙌 Why autistic and neurodivergent people deserve inclusion and understanding
🧠 The importance of seeing intelligence, emotion, and ability through a neurodivergent lens
We also share personal reflections on handshakes, social cues, overstimulation, and how our emotions can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood. This conversation is open, funny, emotional, and full of education for anyone looking to understand autism more deeply.
Quincy’s insight and curiosity shine through in this conversation, reminding us of the power of learning from one another and amplifying neurodivergent voices.
When Friendships EXPLODE 💥Friendship Breakdowns Explained | Insecure ft. Nicole A. Belgrave
Thursday, October 23, 2025 • Duration 01:44:25
In today’s episode, we’re joined by the amazing Nicole A. Belgrave, a warm-hearted therapist, educator, and advocate who brings her insight and humor to the HBO hit series Insecure by Issa Rae. Together, we explore friendship, communication, and the challenges that come with growing alongside people you love.
We take a deep dive into some of the most emotional and relatable moments between Issa and Molly, two strong Black women whose friendship begins to fracture under the weight of unspoken resentment, shifting success, and emotional distance. Nicole helps us unpack the real-life lessons behind these scenes, including:
💛 Why miscommunication and assumptions destroy connection
💬 How fear of vulnerability keeps us guarded even from our closest friends
💔 What happens when jealousy or comparison sneaks into relationships
🪞 The importance of growing together instead of growing apart
💫 How to repair, rebuild, or release friendships with compassion
This episode is honest, funny, and full of heart. It’s about learning to love your people through their evolution, while also learning to love yourself through yours.
💭 Questions for You
Have you ever had a friendship that changed as you grew older
Do you find it hard to be vulnerable with your closest friends
What’s one lesson you’ve learned about communication in relationships
Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.
Why So Many Autistic People Relate to Wednesday Addams 🖤 | ft. Zahraa Al-Jameel
Thursday, October 16, 2025 • Duration 01:08:35
In today’s episode, we’re joined by the amazing Zahraa Al-Jameel, a fellow autistic advocate, law student, and content creator who uses her voice to empower and educate others. Together, we dive into the Netflix series Wednesday and explore why so many neurodivergent people see themselves in Wednesday Addams.
We break down powerful scenes from the show, including:
🧩 Wednesday’s confrontation with the principal about the school’s dark history and what it means to be labeled an “outcast”
⚖️ The challenges of living in the gray areas of life as neurodivergent people
💬 The pain of being called “exhausting” or “too much” and how that impacts self-worth
🔥 Why many autistic and disabled folks reject being idolized or placed on pedestals
💜 The beauty of authenticity, self-acceptance, and learning to love yourself even when the world misunderstands you
Zahraa opens up about her experiences navigating relationships, embracing self-love, and continuing to advocate for others in her community. This episode is full of laughter, insight, and heartfelt reflection on what it means to be proudly different in a world that doesn’t always understand.
💭 Questions for You
Do you ever see yourself in Wednesday Addams?
Have you ever felt misunderstood for simply being yourself?
What does self-acceptance look like for you as a neurodivergent person?
Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.
K-Pop Demon Hunters & The Power of Loving Yourself | ft. Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza
Thursday, October 9, 2025 • Duration 01:42:42
Today we’re diving deep into one of the most emotional and powerful films on Netflix — K-Pop Demon Hunters. We’re joined by Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD, a triple board-certified psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and YouTube creator who’s helping redefine representation in medicine and media.
Together, we explore:
💔 What it means to live with shame, guilt, and loneliness when you feel “different”
🔥 The power of self-acceptance and affirming relationships
🧠 Why masking and hiding your identity can be so painful for neurodivergent folks
💞 The healing moment in the film when she cries out, “I need you to love all of me” — and why it resonates with so many of us
This episode blends emotion, culture, and mental health in a conversation that will move you to tears and laughter.
🎧 Watch now on YouTube and subscribe to Different Spectrums Podcast for more authentic conversations on mental health, neurodivergence, and pop culture.
✨ Be sure to follow Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza for more incredible insights and healing work!
💬 Join the conversation:
What moment in K-Pop Demon Hunters hit you the hardest?
Have you ever felt unseen — and what helped you heal?
Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.
Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.
Why Representation in Mental Health Matters | Marvel's Ironheart x Dr. Akeem Marsh
Thursday, October 2, 2025 • Duration 01:42:55
Today we’re beyond honored to be joined by the brilliant Dr. Akeem Nassor Marsh — a highly respected, board-certified Black psychiatrist, professor, author, and true inspiration.
Together we dive into Marvel’s Ironheart on Disney+ and use it as a lens to explore:
💔 The complexity of grief, from childhood losses to family, dreams, and community
🧠 How trauma can make us compartmentalize — hiding good memories to avoid painful ones
🪞 Representation & mentorship — why it matters for Black and Brown youth to see themselves in positions of power
🎭 The balance between nerd culture, mental health, and hope for the future
Dr. Marsh shares powerful wisdom on healing, community, and why we must sit with both the joy and the sorrow to truly grow. He also breaks down scenes from Ironheart — from laughter with family to grief, loss, and the moment “Ironheart” was born.
📚 Be sure to support Dr. Marsh and check out his book Not Just Bad Kids!
💭 Question for you:
How do you personally process grief — do you lean in or pull away?
Which Marvel character has taught you the most about resilience and representation?
Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.
Escaping the Matrix: Autism, ADHD & Burnout with Kimika Banfield
Thursday, September 25, 2025 • Duration 01:38:53
Today we’re diving deep into The Matrix with our amazing guest, Kimika Banfield — HR specialist, content creator, autistic and ADHD advocate.
We explore what it really means to live inside “the Matrix” and the courage it takes to break free, unmask, and live authentically as a neurodivergent person.
✨ In this episode we cover:
🟦 Red Pill vs. Blue Pill: Why so many of us choose comfort, safety, and masking… but what freedom looks like once you step out.
👗 The Girl in the Red Dress: Distractions, illusions, and how the world pulls our focus from what truly matters.
🌀 Burnout & The Corporate Rat Race: Kimika’s journey through Fortune 500 burnout and learning to set real boundaries.
🧠 Autism & ADHD Together: How late diagnosis, unmasking, and affirming differences reshaped her life and identity.
❤️ Life Beyond the Matrix: Parenting, dating, love, career changes, and what keeps us motivated to move forward.
This conversation is funny, real, and packed with wisdom from a fellow neurodivergent voice of color navigating a world not built for us.
🔗 Watch, listen, and subscribe for more:
Apple | Spotify | YouTube
👉 Questions for you:
Would you take the red pill or blue pill?
What distractions keep you in your own “Matrix”?
Outcasts, Anime, and Overcoming Darkness with Tony Weaver Jr.
Thursday, September 18, 2025 • Duration 01:31:43
Today we’re joined by Tony Weaver Jr., one of the top children’s authors in America and the brilliant mind behind Weirdo. Tony is a trailblazer in storytelling, literacy, and representation, and he brings a raw and inspiring conversation to the pod.
This episode goes deep into:
Being different: what it means to embrace your “weirdness” and live authentically
Mental health and survival: Tony’s vulnerable story of suicidality and resilience
Naruto and anime lessons: how this iconic series reflects the struggles of outcasts, powers, and perseverance
Mentorship and belonging: the life-changing impact of having someone believe in you
Purpose and giving back: Tony’s mission to expand literacy and empower the next generation
This isn’t just a podcast episode—it’s a reminder that you are not alone, you are worthy, and your difference is your superpower.
📚 Support Tony’s work and his mission to raise money for literacy initiatives.
🎧 Full episode available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
💬 Questions for you:
What anime or story helped you feel less alone?
Who’s been a mentor in your life that believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself?
What Grey’s Anatomy Gets Right About Depression and Suicidality | With Sarah Finch, LMFT
Thursday, September 11, 2025 • Duration 01:41:46
Today, we’re talking about Grey’s Anatomy with special guest Sarah Finch, MA, LMFT, founder of Nido Individual & Family Therapy. Together, we explore the complexities of functional depression, suicidality, and how these struggles show up in Meredith Grey’s journey.
Key Topics in This Episode
Functional Depression
How people continue working, parenting, and “living life” while silently battling depression and suicidal thoughts.
Suicidality in Meredith Grey
From drowning scenes to stepping in during violent threats, we unpack how Meredith’s choices reflect passive suicidality, self-sacrifice, and devaluing her own life.
Masking Pain Through Success
Why high-achieving and financially stable individuals are often assumed to be “fine,” even while silently suffering.
Trauma and Impulsivity
How unresolved trauma drives self-endangering decisions, masking, and chronic exhaustion.
Real-Life Parallels
We connect Meredith’s experiences with the very real struggles faced by many today, especially during times of collective grief, global trauma, and burnout.
About Our Guest
Sarah brings humor, warmth, and professional expertise to this conversation. She is the founder of Nido Individual & Family Therapy, and her group practice is currently accepting clients. If you’re seeking therapy, connect with Sarah through the link in our bio or via our website spotlight.
What helps you find your community when you feel isolated
Be sure to check out Dr. Roldan’s podcast, The Oasis Community Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms 🌿
To find our new guest: Dr Sara Roldan @ouroasiscommunity
Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.
Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.
Episode Breakdown:
0:00 Attention
0:59 Intro
3:12 scenes
15:04 Interview
101:00 Movie Discussion
We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums
⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:
What is one autism myth you wish people would stop believing
Have you ever felt misunderstood because of the way you communicate
What does self-advocacy look like for you in your daily life
And make sure to go follow and support Quincy Simmons’ podcast, The Masks We Wear — now available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 🎧 Give it a listen and help uplift more neurodivergent creators sharing their truth.
Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.
Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.
We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums
⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:
Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.
We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums
⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:
Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.
We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums
⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:
We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums
⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:
Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.
We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums
⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:
Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.
Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.
We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums
⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:
Let our sponsor, BetterHelp, connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/dsp and enjoy a special discount on your first month.
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join the Different Spectrums community.
Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.
Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.
⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:
Do you or someone you love live with “functional depression”?
What Grey’s Anatomy moment hit you the hardest?
Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s talk.
Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.
Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.
We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums
⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to use our links for discounts with our partner companies:
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